TRANSURETHRAL ENZYME INJECTION - FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Although benign prostatic hyperplasia, a common condition among elderl y men, has been effectively treated with transurethral resection of th e prostate, this surgical procedure is associated with many well-recog nized risks and complications. Because of this potential morbidity and mortality, various alternative treatment strategies for benign prosta tic hyperplasia have been proposed. The use of enzyme solubilization a nd ablation of prostatic tissue to alleviate urinary outlet obstructio n has proved effective in dogs and warrants investigation in human tri als. Transurethral enzyme injection of the prostate has the potential for being a treatment modality with minimal invasiveness, limited requ irements for anesthesia, and minimal associated toxicity for the manag ement of benign prostatic hyperplasia.