BIODEGRADABLE SELF-REINFORCED POLYGLYCOLIC ACID SPIRAL STENT IN PREVENTION OF POSTOPERATIVE URINARY RETENTION AFTER VISUAL LASER-ABLATION OF THE PROSTATE-LASER PROSTATECTOMY

Purpose: The efficacy and safety of a new biodegradable (self-reinforced polyglycolic acid) spiral stent in securing free voiding despite edema after visual laser ablation of the prostate were studied. Materials and Methods: A biodegradable spiral stent was inserted into the prostatic urethra in 22 patients immediately after visual laser ablation of the prostate. Uroflowmetry, measurement of residual urine volume, urine culture, cystoscopy and assessment of symptomatic improvement were done before, and 1, 3 and 6 months after visual laser ablation of the prostate. Results: All 22 patients voided freely on day 1 or 2 after visual laser ablation of the prostate. However, 4 patients later had urinary retention due to a short spiral or too rapid spiral degradation. Half of the patients experienced a transient decrease in flow with some obstructive symptoms at 3 weeks that lasted 1 to 2 weeks. At 4 weeks all spirals were degraded and 3 patients had a positive urine culture. The maximum flow rate increased and the residual urine volume decreased significantly concomitantly with significant symptomatic improvement. Conclusions: The self-reinforced polyglycolic acid spiral stent can effectively and safely prevent postoperative urinary retention after visual laser ablation of the prostate.