[Intraprostatic injection of 96% ethanol in experimental animal model]

Transurethral intraprostatic injection of ethanol (IIE) is a new low-invasive method in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We made dog and rat experiments to prove safety and efficacy of IIE. The experiment was made on 10 rats and 10 dogs injected transurethrally (Prostaject device) with 96% ethyl alcohol in 10% volume of estimated volume of the prostate. The injection was followed by measurement of blood alcohol, the test for hemolysis. Transurethral ultrasound control of prostate size 1, 3 and 6 months after the injection and histological examinations 1, 3, 7, 14 days and 1, 3 and 6 months after the injection were made. It was found that blood alcohol after the above injection was not elevated. Necrosis was documented in all the cases but subsequently the necrotic site was replaced with sclerotic tissue. The necrosis involved only the prostatic capsule. The size of the prostate diminished by 29%. Thus, transurethral injection of ethyl alcohol (10% of prostate size) is safe and effective in achievement of prostatic gland ablation. Therefore, clinical trials of the method in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia are justified.