BALLOON DILATION OF THE PROSTATE - CORRELATION WITH MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING AND TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND FINDINGS

Alternative treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia are under inte nse scrutiny. Initial reports on balloon dilation therapy showed succe ss rates of 60% to 90%, although follow-up was brief. We present a pro spective non-blinded study assessing the efficacy of an investigationa l balloon dilatation catheter (105 Fr at 3 atm) as well as the MRI fin dings preoperatively and postoperatively. Twenty-seven men underwent b alloon dilation and have been followed for at least 1 year. Twelve pat ients (44%) ultimately required definitive transurethral prostatectomy during follow-up. A mild improvement was noted in the symptom score a nd flow rate in the responder group. Fracture of the anterior commissu re was accomplished in only 5 patients (18%) despite diligent efforts. The MRI scans showed no change in the prostate in any patients. Intra operative transrectal ultrasound scanning suggested that proximal ball oon migration can occur. Our experience with this balloon system leads us to recommend that it remain an investigational procedure.