Ablation of canine prostate using transurethral intraprostatic absolute ethanol injection

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Innovation
• Pharmacological Research

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects a significant portion of aging men, necessitating effective treatment options.
• Current BPH treatments have limitations, driving the search for novel therapeutic modalities.
• Chemoablation offers a less invasive approach to managing prostatic adenoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transurethral intraprostatic absolute ethanol injection (AEI) for prostate tissue chemoablation.
• To assess the in vivo effects of AEI on prostatic tissue in a canine model.
• To determine the systemic absorption and local tissue response following AEI.

Main Methods:

• Eight adult mongrel dogs underwent transurethral intraprostatic AEI using 10-26 mL of absolute ethanol.
• Injections were delivered via a cystoscopically guided needle through a perineal urethrotomy.
• Dogs were observed for up to 21 days post-treatment, with prostates examined macroscopically and microscopically.

Main Results:

• Prostate tissue demonstrated necrosis and cavity formation 7 and 21 days after AEI.
• Deep injections led to subcapsular cavities, while superficial injections widened the urethral lumen.
• Systemic absorption of ethanol was minimal, with no observed complications or capsule/sphincter injury.

Conclusions:

• Transurethral intraprostatic AEI is an effective method for ablating prostatic tissue in canines.
• The procedure demonstrated a favorable safety profile with minimal systemic absorption and no significant local tissue damage.
• Ongoing human trials are investigating AEI for BPH chemoablation.