Changes in prostatic thickness and the location of ejaculatory ducts in autopsy prostates

To measure prostatic thickness and the depth of ejaculatory ducts from the urethral surface to prevent ejaculatory duct damage during transurethral balloon laser thermotherapy.

In 47 prostates obtained at autopsy, the prostatic thickness and the depth of ejaculatory ducts from the urethral surface were measured in eight directions from the centre of the urethra.

The depth of ejaculatory ducts was approximately 6 mm from the urethral surface regardless of prostatic weight. Increase in prostatic weight was associated with increase in the thickness in all directions except the posterior one; the thickness ranged from 9 to 20 mm. The posterior thickness at the level of the transition zone was 10 mm regardless of prostatic weight.

When benign prostatic hypertrophy is treated transurethrally, using laser or microwave equipment, care should be taken to avoid heating the posterior region of the prostate.