Balloon dilatation of the prostate.

It is important to be objective in selecting candidates for this procedure and in evaluating their outcome. The size of the prostate does not seem to be relevant. Alpha blockers and balloons still produce unpredictable results, and neither alternative duplicates the results of transurethral resection. If, however, the patient is not in serious voiding trouble and is willing to exercise genuine patience, one approach could be a blocker if he has early symptoms and is not in trouble; otherwise, use the balloon. When either or both fail, TURP is required if the patient's condition permits, for TURP remains the standard. Objective assessment with an open mind is essential. Balloon dilatation is a safe, simple, but unpredictable alternative to transurethral resection. It may be done on an ambulatory basis, although it requires anesthesia, and has led to neither impotence or incontinence. It may be performed on the limited-risk patient. It has succeeded in two thirds of patients in retention or who did not respond to alpha blockers. Nonetheless, objective measures of success rarely duplicate those regularly achieved by TURP.