[The US-guided positioning of intraprostatic metal spirals. Preliminary experience]

The authors report their preliminary experience with the insertion of intraprostatic spirals in the treatment of chronic urinary retention due to prostatic hypertrophy in 8 inoperable patients. The value is stressed of transrectal US guidance during spiral insertion together with the advantages of US over other positioning techniques (i.e., better visualization of prostatic urethra and urethral sphincter, real time visualization of spiral progression and correct positioning). All patients were successfully treated without complications; spiral positioning was easier in the patients with a Foley's catheter (22 CH). US-guided positioning of intraprostatic spirals appears an easy and safe treatment of chronic urinary retention in inoperable patients.