Two-Year Followup of Balloon Dilatation of the Prostate and an Algorithm for Future Patient Selection

Abstract

Balloon dilatation of the prostate has a role in urologic practice that needs to be focused. An analysis of the results published in the literature to date suggests that patient selection is a significant undefined variable. The results of a 2-year followup in a group of patients treated but not preselected give the basis for an algorithm in which glands less than 40 g, peak uroflow rates between 7 and 12 ml/sec, and a stable bladder are favorable selection criteria that may predict a durable (2 years or more) success. Using this algorithm, symptomatic prostatism was evaluated in 278 patients; 8.6% were treated with medication, 13.0% fulfilled the criteria and underwent balloon dilatation, 3.5% did not fulfill the criteria but nonetheless underwent balloon dilatation, and 13.6% underwent transurethral resection. The symptomatic success rate in the dilated patients who fit the algorithm was 63% v 0 in those who did not fit it. The specific role of balloon dilatation of the prostate in urologic practice seems to be in patients with glands less than 40 g and bladder function permitting peak uroflows in excess of 7 ml/sec.