Balloon dilatation of the prostate
Article Abstract:
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a noncancerous overgrowth of tissue in the prostate gland, occurs in most men as they age. The overgrowth of tissue can narrow the urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside), through which urine passes. Traditionally, a portion or all of the prostatic tissue is removed, either through a small incision in the urethra (transurethral prostatectomy), or by open surgery. More recently, the prostatic urethra has been dilated by means of a balloon. This is done to avoid the morbidity and occasional mortality of the other forms of surgery. One of the advantages of balloon dilatation is that it can be performed without general anesthesia. It is a short procedure; the balloon catheter is inserted in the urethra and inflated. It is left in place for about 10 minutes. The balloon is deflated and removed, and a plain catheter is inserted in its place. The latter is usually removed the next day. The procedure may cause hemorrhage, bladder spasm for 24 to 36 hours and abscess. It seems not affect potency, nor does it result in retrograde ejaculation (in which semen goes into the bladder rather than outside). A key drawback to balloon dilatation of the prostatic urethra is that it does not provide tissue samples for pathological examination, and so there is no chance to diagnose an occult (hidden) cancer of the prostate. Patients in whom balloon dilatation has been performed should have a needle biopsy of the prostate if cancer is suspected. While the procedure is safe and relatively simple, no studies have proven that it is effective. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
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Bicalutamide for prostate cancer
Article Abstract:
The new prostate cancer drug bicalutamide (Casodex) should be taken with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog. Bicalutamide is recommended for advanced prostate cancer as palliative care, and may be as effective as the antiandrogen flutamide. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and hot flushes. Compared to flutamide, much less diarrhea is reported in patients taking bicalutamide. The cost of $300 is similar for a monthly supply of either drug, although bicalutamide is taken only once per day.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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