Metal self-expandable covered temporary urethral stent Allium in patients with irreversibile uroobstruction: Ten-year experience

Abstract

Aim of this study is to judge effectiveness of new design, temporary, cover, metal selective urethral Allium stents in lower urinary tract symptoms treatment concerning all peri and post procedural complications. Material and methods: We observed group of 40 patients with longstanding history of lower urinary tract symptom, in which outflow obstruction was localized in bulbar urethra in 24 pts and in prostatic urethra in 13 pts. Residual voiding volume and prostate volume measurements by ultrasonography, urethrocystography, urine culture and uroflowmetry (bulbar urethra stricture PTS) were done before stent insertion. Procedure was done in all cases but one in ambulatory conditions, under local anesthesia with oral antibiotics administration day before and 5 days after. Objective and subjective parameters of stent effectiveness were estimated and statistically revealed. Results: Majority of pts (32/40) were satisfied with all the aspects of the procedure and with quality of life while urethra was stented. Urinary infection did not happen in any case, encrustation of the migrated stent occurred in 2 cases (6,4%). Emptying of the bladder was adequate while wearing either prostatic or bulbar urethra stent. Residual volume was significantly smaller, urinary flow significantly higher. In pts with bulbar urethra stricture urinary flow and morphology of patent urethra lumen, 6 months after stent extraction suggested prolonged-permanent recanalisation results. Conclusion: Site specific, metal Allium urethral stents enable adequate emptying of the urinary bladder with minimal and transient patient discomfort. Stent insertion and explantation are simple procedures to perform, when correctly indicated without significant early and late complications.