Prostatic urethra: experimental dilation in dogs.

An animal study was undertaken to develop a balloon dilation technique that could be used in humans to treat the common ailment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Dogs were used as a model because of the similarities in the prostate between the two species and the ready availability of the canines. A retrograde transurethral approach was used for dilation. Balloon catheters, 8-20 mm in diameter, were used. Significant, long-lasting dilatation of the prostatic urethra was not accomplished until 20-mm balloons (or two 10-mm ones) inflated for 10 minutes were used. The animals were followed for up to 14 months. No deleterious histologic effects of dilation were identified within the urethra or prostate that could lead to stenosis of the prostatic urethra in later stages.