Transurethral Cystoscopic Balloon Dilatation of the Prostate

Abstract

Balloon dilatation of the prostate for relief of symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia is reported to be safe and effective. This study analyzes the First series of patients to be dilated by a method involving a direct-vision cystoscopic technique. Of the first 22 patients, 21 were available for follow-up: 17 (81%) were improved at the 1-month follow-up, and of those, 13 (76%) were still improved at 1 year. If patients with advanced obstruction, as documented by peak uroflow of no more than 5 ml/sec had been excluded, the early success rate would have been 87%. There were no recorded instances of retrograde ejaculation or incontinence. Of the patients, 77% were sent home on the day of the dilatation. Balloon dilatation of the prostate is less invasive and less costly than transurethral prostatectomy. It is effective in patients with mild degrees of obstruction, but patients with advanced obstruction or very large prostates continue to require prostatectomy.