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.