Endoscopy Case Study

Courtesy of Julius M Liptak
Animal Cancer Center
Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Fort Collins CO

Transurethral Resection Case

Stolley, a 12-year old castrated Keeshund, was referred to the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University for evaluation of urination and defecation difficulties. Physical examination revealed an enlarged, irregular and painful prostate. Abdominal radiographs showed an enlarged prostate compressing the colon dorsally and a large bladder. Positive-contrast urethrography revealed a diffuse narrowing and obstruction of the prostatic urethra. Fine-needle aspirate and needle-core biopsies of the prostate were performed which revealed a prostatic carcinoma.

An exploratory celiotomy was performed. Through a ventral cystotomy, cystoscopic examination showed a mass in the prostatic urethra. Transurethral resection (see photo) of the mass was performed by Dr Steve Brutscher, an urologist at a local hospital, to increase the diameter of the prostatic urethra and permit urinary flow. Intra-operative irradiation of the prostate was also performed.

Stolley received piroxicam (Feldene) and mitoxantrone postoperatively. Within a week, his prostate was normal size and he was urinating and defecating normally and continues to be normal in all respects six weeks postoperatively.

Based on the present case report, transurethral resection is a technically feasible and effective procedure for urethral obstruction secondary to prostatic cancer. Transurethral resesction resulted in immediate outflow relief and this effect was sustained by radiation therapy and chemotherapy.