Comparison of Nd:YAG Laser and Absolute Ethanol in the Percutaneous Ablation of Canine Prostate

Abstract Percutaneous absolute ethanol injections and Nd:YAG laser ablations were performed bilaterally in canine prostates (N = 13) using transrectal ultrasound guidance. Seventy one percent (10/14) of the ethanol injections produced an intraglandular focus of hemorrhagic necrosis. Associated morbidity of ethanol injections included necrosis of the external prostatic sphincter and mucosa of the urethra and bladder. Ninety two percent (11/12) of the laser ablations produced intraglandular foci of thermal tissue damage, which had distinct margins of transition between necrotic and viable cells. The areas of ablation were well visualized by ultrasound and had minimal associated morbidity. The results of this study indicate the technical feasibility of transrectal ultrasound to accurately guide localized ablations in the prostate. Percutaneous laser ablation using transrectal ultrasound guidance deserves further investigation as a potential treatment of localized prostate cancer.