BIODEGRADABLE SELF-REINFORCED POLYGLYCOLIC ACID SPIRAL STENT IN PREVENTION OF POSTOPERATIVE URINARY RETENTION AFTER VISUAL LASER-ABLATION OF THE PROSTATE-LASER PROSTATECTOMY

Purpose: The efficacy and safety of a new biodegradable (self-reinforc ed polyglycolic acid) spiral stent in securing free voiding despite ed ema after visual laser ablation of the prostate were studied. Material s and Methods: A biodegradable spiral stent was inserted into the pros tatic urethra in 22 patients immediately after visual laser ablation o f the prostate. Uroflowmetry, measurement of residual urine volume, ur ine culture, cystoscopy and assessment of symptomatic improvement were done before, and 1, 3 and 6 months after visual laser ablation of the prostate. Results: All 22 patients voided freely on day 1 or 2 after visual laser ablation of the prostate. However, 4 patients later had u rinary retention due to a short spiral or too rapid spiral degradation . Half of the patients experienced a transient decrease in flow with s ome obstructive symptoms at 3 weeks that lasted 1 to 2 weeks. At 4 wee ks all spirals were degraded and 3 patients had a positive urine cultu re. The maximum flow rate increased and the residual urine volume decr eased significantly concomitantly with significant symptomatic improve ment. Conclusions: The self-reinforced polyglycolic acid spiral stent can effectively and safely prevent postoperative urinary retention aft er visual laser ablation of the prostate.