Management of prostatic urethral obstruction: Long-term experience with the Memotherm stent

Purpose: To determine the long-term efficacy of the Memotherm stent implan-ted in high risk patients with prostatic urethral obstruction. Methods: From November 1993 to August 1996 we implanted the Memotherm stent into 15 high risk patients including 14 benign prostatic hyperplasia and 1 prostatic carcinoma. To assess the long-term effects we performed followups 3 to 72 months after implantation. As a measure of the efficacy of the sten we documented urinary flow and residual urine. To assess voiding symptoms and quality of life we used the International Prostate Symptom Score. Results: Implantation of the Memotherm stent led to a decrease of residual urine from a mean of 151.2 to 29.1 mL, and to an increase of urinary flow from 3.0 to 11.1 mL per second. Patients had fewer voiding problems and noticed an increase in quality of life. Conclusions: Treatment with the Memotherm stent offers a good alternative therapy for patients with prostatic urethral obstruction who cannot undergo surgery due to grave concomitant diseases.