A novel temporary prostatic stent for the relief of prostatic urethral obstruction

OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of a novel temporary prostatic stent (The Spanner TM , AbbeyMoor Medical, Inc., Minnesota, USA) on variables of voiding function and quality of life among patients with prostatic urethral obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS The stent design is very similar to the proximal 4–6 cm of a Foley catheter; this includes a proximal balloon to prevent distal displacement, a urine port situated cephalad to the balloon, and a reinforced stent of various lengths to span most of the prostatic urethra. There is also a distal anchor mechanism attached by sutures, and a retrieval suture which extends to the meatus and deflates the proximal balloon when pulled. The stent was inserted under topical anaesthesia in 30 patients. The maximum flow rate (Q max ), voided volume (VV), postvoid residual (PVR), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and stent position were assessed. RESULTS Stents remained in situ for a mean (range) of 57 (1–98) days. The mean overall Q max at baseline and after insertion were 8.2 and 11.6 mL/s, representing a 42% improvement ( P < 0.001); the respective mean overall VVs were similar, at 219.7 and 221.6 mL (0.9% increase, not significant) and the PVRs were 312.1 and 112.3 mL, representing a 64% decrease ( P = 0.004). The overall mean IPSS declined from 22.3 before to 7.1 after insertion, representing a 68% decrease ( P < 0.001). There were only minor adverse events. The stability, patency and lack of migration of the device were confirmed radiographically up to 12 weeks of use. CONCLUSIONS This early study shows that this temporary prostatic stent is easily inserted and removed, remains anchored in position, and significantly improves the Q max , PVR and IPSS while preserving volitional voiding and continence.