Prostatic stent

A prostatic stent is a stent used to keep open the male urethra and allow the passing of urine in cases of prostatic obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Prostatic obstruction is a common condition with a variety of causes. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common cause, but obstruction may also occur acutely after treatment for BPH such as transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), prostate cancer or after radiation therapy. There are two types of prostatic stent: temporary and permanent. Although a permanent prostatic stent is not a medical treatment, it falls under the classification of a surgical procedure. Placement of a permanent prostatic stent is carried out as an outpatient treatment under local, topical or spinal anesthesia and usually takes about 15–30 minutes. A temporary prostatic stent can be inserted in a similar manner to a Foley catheter, requiring only topical anesthesia. They can be placed in less than 15 minutes under regional anesthesia. Bleeding during and after surgery is minimal. The patient can be discharged the same day. They may cause increased urination and limited incontinence. They may cause mild discomfort They can become dislodged, leading to urinary obstruction or total incontinence. They can become infected and can be very difficult to remove. Their fixed diameter limits subsequent endoscopic surgical options. They can be placed in less than 15 minutes in a manner similar to Foley catheter placement. They can be easily removed, also in a manner similar to Foley catheter removal. They allow the patient to retain volitional voiding. Some patients prefer a temporary stent to Foley catheter use. A temporary stent will not provide voiding function if the patient does not have a working bladder and external sphincter. The stent may cause mild discomfort. They may cause increased urinary frequency which usually subsides after the first 78 hours.