Long-term outcome of permanent urethral stents in the treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia

Objectives To evaluate the long-term efficacy of a permanently implanted urethral stent in the treatment of spinally injured patients with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Patients and methods Twelve patients underwent external sphincter stenting in our institution between 1988 and 1990. They were reviewed at least annually and investigated with serial urodynamic and ultrasonographic. studies. Results Ten patients were followed for at least 5 years. Two patients required stent removal and five patients developed bladder neck obstruction requiring surgical intervention There were no problems with stent migration, ulceration or infection. Conclusion Stenting is an effective alternative to sphincterotomy in the long-term, although secondary bladder neck obstruction is a frequent problem.