Transurethral enzymatic ablation of the prostate: canine model.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicity and potential usefulness of transurethral prostatic injection of a collagenase-based solution in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia in dogs. METHODS: The injected solution contained collagenase, hyaluronidase, Triton X-100, and gentamicin. Twenty-one dogs were randomly divided into three groups for transurethral prostatic needle injection: two treatment groups were observed for 6 and 12 weeks and a control group was observed for 12 weeks. Laboratory studies, clinical monitoring, and complete postmortem examination were performed in all animals. RESULTS: Gross hematuria was noted in all dogs for a mean of 4 days after injection. No significant postoperative morbidity was noted. There were no significant differences in the values of laboratory tests among the three groups except for a mean increase in serum level of aspartate transaminase for treatment groups on postoperative day 1; this resolved by postoperative day 7. Histologically, all treated prostates had stromal atrophy and cystic acinar dilation involving about 30% of the gland without extraprostatic extension of these changes. The urethra, bladder, rectum, testicles, kidney, liver, and lungs were normal and intact in all animals. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral injection of this enzyme solution creates a predictable, favorable histologic response in the canine prostate. The procedure appears safe and warrants further investigation for treatment of human benign prostatic hyperplasia.