[Roentgenologic investigation of the prostate. Studies on transrectal prostatogram and anatomy of the prostate].

Hajime Sugiura and Susumu Hasegawa Department of Urology, Nagoya City University Medical School (Director: Prof. N. Oka) Since our original report of transrectal approach using television fluoloscopy for roentgenographic visualization of benign prostatic hyperplasia, we have continued to apply this technique to the cases of benign hyperplasia, carcinoma, inflammatory disease and normal condition of the prostatic gland. Anatomy and histology of the prostate were investigated in this study, and the relationship between prostatogram and anatomic structure of the prostate by this technique were discussed. It was found that this method faithfully visualized anatomic findings of the prostate. Normal or pathologic conditions of the prostate showed various contrast changes. The characteristic prostatogram in normal condition, inflammatory disease and benign prostatic hyperplasia in an early stage-type showed tubulo-alveolar lobules and tubules which made up the external or true gland of the prostate, but the prostatic capsule was not clearly visualized. The prostatogram of clinically recognized typical carcinoma showed a filling defect corresponding to the location of the carcinoma, and injection of contrast material into the carcinoma tissue needed a very increased presure. The characteristics of prostatogram of the benign hyperplasia in alate stage-type showed well vascularrich picture and a constant image by lag of exposure time after injection of contrast material into the prostate. Remains of contrast material in the hyperplastic prostate were quickly and completely absorbed into the vena hypogastrica through the venae pudendae interna and venae vesicales inferiores.