UROLOGIC APPLICATIONS OF A PERMANENT, EPITHELIALIZING URETHRAL ENDOPROSTHESIS

Recently, a flexible, self-expanding, permanent endoprosthesis has been developed to maintain patency of stenotic arteries after balloon angioplasty. This device, known as the UroLume Wallstent, is now under active investigation in both Europe and the United States as a treatment for: (1) recurrent bulbar urethral strictures, (2) benign prostatic hyperplasia, and (3) detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia. Preliminary data demonstrate this device to be an effective treatment for all three indications in select patients and to be associated with minimal untoward effects. If the long-term results are equally encouraging, this unique endoprosthesis will represent a significant advancement for the field of urology.