A new prostatic stent for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia inhigh-risk patients

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and sa fety of a new prostatic stent (Trestle(R), Boston Scientific Microvasive) f or the treatment of BPH in patients with complete urinary retention and con sidered to be inoperable. Methods: The efficacy of the stent was evaluated in terms of return of mict urition, level of patient satisfaction, uroflowmetry and residual urine. An y stents removed were examined by infrared spectrophotometry for the presen ce of crystalline encrustations. Results: From December 1997 to April 1999, 20 stents were inserted under lo cal anaesthesia in 17 patients aged 54-90 years. Stents remained in place f or an average of 3.5 months. Two migrations were reported. The mean maximum flow rate was 13.7 ml/s and the mean residual urine was 110 mi. The infrar ed spectrophotometry study revealed a glycoprotein film on stents in place for 1-6 months, accompanied by uric acid crystals on stents in place for 9 months. Conclusion: The Trestle prostatic stent is effective and constitutes a good alternative to surgical treatment in patients with a high operative risk. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.