Can intraprostatic stent failure be predicted? Experience based on long-term follow-up of 107 patients

Summary

Various prognostic factors which could be implicated in late complications associated with intraurethral stents and coils were evaluated. A consecutive series of 107 subjects with BPH or prostatic cancer who required intraurethral stents and randomly received either the Prostakath^{r`</sup> or Urospiral<sup>r`} type were followed for 2–7 years. Data on stent-associated complications were collected. Factors directly associated with the complication rate were the pre-treatment presence of an indwelling catheter and asymptomatic bacteriuria, as well as post-treatment low urinary flow rate. Stent type and length did not influence outcome. It is concluded that in selected patients, either of the two studied intraurethral stents is a feasible and durable treatment. Men with indwelling catheters and/or bacteremia are at high risk of complications (e.g. migration, stone formation, strictures), as are those with post-stent insertion low uroflow. Although stents may be left in situ for years, these subgroups of men should be closely monitored to detect early signs of complications.

Keywords:

• BPH
• prostatic cancer
• intraprostatic stents and coils