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

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new prostatic stent (Trestle(R), Boston Scientific Microvasive) for the treatment of BPH in patients with complete urinary retention and considered to be inoperable. Methods: The efficacy of the stent was evaluated in terms of return of micturition, level of patient satisfaction, uroflowmetry and residual urine. Any stents removed were examined by infrared spectrophotometry for the presence of crystalline encrustations. Results: From December 1997 to April 1999, 20 stents were inserted under local anaesthesia in 17 patients aged 54-90 years. Stents remained in place for 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 infrared 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.