Balloon Incision of the Prostate: Preliminary Evaluation of a Minimally Invasive Technique

Abstract

Balloon dilation to 60F at 2 atm for 15 minutes in 17 dogs was compared with the Acucise balloon dilation (50F) and incision catheter in 13 dogs. In the dilation group, the change in urethral width was +8% both acutely and at 12 weeks. In the Acucise-treated group, there was an increase in urethral diameter of 70% acutely and 47% at 12 weeks. Complications from use of the Acucise were one acute urinoma and one acute periprostatic hematoma. The authors discuss the drawbacks of the canine model of prostatic enlargement but note that the results of this trial were sufficiently impressive to warrant clinical trials, which are now in progress.

Objective and Subjective Comparison of Transurethral Resection, Transurethral Incision and Balloon Dilatation of the Prostate

“…Despite the various configurations of the TUBDP balloons we used, the results obtained were unsatisfactory in the long term and we are not using this treatment modality any longer. Recent innovations such as balloon incision of the prostate (50-F Acucise with electrocautery wire directed at 12 o'clock) [23], transurethral heat deliv ery balloon [24], transurethral balloon laser thermothera py [25], and water-induced thermotherapy [26] are newly developed experimental devices. The future will show if these balloons combined with heating or cutting devices will be more effective than the original balloons.…”

Future Directions in the Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

“…This technique (Klein, 1991 ;Long et al, 1991) has been extensively evaluated and almost certainly depends on the anterior commissure of the prostate being split by the dilating balloon for its success; when this happens, the increase in flow rate is dramatic and the effect may be prolonged. Balloon dilatation is carried out with local anaesthesia and sedation, or with regional anaesthesia.…”