Removal of UroLume endoprosthesis: Experience of the North American study group for detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia application

Purpose: We present the experience of the North American UroLume Multicente r Study Group with removal of the UroLume(+)(+) endoprosthesis. Materials and Methods: A total of 160 neurologically impaired patients were enrolled in the North American UroLume Multicenter Study Group for detruso r external sphincter dyssynergia application. Analysis was performed in 2 g roups of patients in which the device was removed during insertion and afte r implantation, respectively. Results: Device retrieval was required during insertion in 21 patients (13% ) mainly due to misplacement or migration in 17. Extraction was done with m inimal complications and in all but 2 cases subsequent UroLume implantation was successful. Of 158 men with the device in place 31 (19.6%) required re moval. In 34 procedures 44 devices were removed, mainly due to migration. T ime from implantation to removal ranged from 4 days to 66 months (mean 22 m onths). The UroLume was removed en bloc in 20 cases and in parts or wire by wire in 19. The majority of patients had no or minimal complications after extraction. Only 2 patients had serious temporary complications, including bleeding and urethral injury, with no lasting consequences. No malignancy developed as a result of UroLume insertion. Conclusions: While there is a potential for urethral injury and bleeding, U roLume endoprosthesis removal is largely a simple procedure with minimal co mplications and consequences.