[Personal experience with the Nissenkorn endo-urethral prosthesis. Preliminary report]

Relying on Nissenkorn preliminary report (J. of Urology, July 89), we inserted this intraurethral device in 11 patients. This new urethral prostheses resembles a double Malecot 16 F. catheter, available in 45.55 and 60 mm lengths. It is inserted through a 21 F. cystoscope sheath under local anesthesia. We reserved this prostheses for selected patients who presented a urinary retention due to cervico-prostatic obstruction, with anesthetic contraindications to an operation, or limited life expectancy. The follow-up is from 1 to 4 months. Of the 11 patients, 8 were able to void without incontinence or postvoiding residual. 2 patients had partial micturition. We noticed 2 early and one late migration of the prosthesis to the bladder. There were no macrohematuria or clinical urinary tract infection.. We believe that this urethral prosthesis is a valid alternative to a long term indwelling catheter. With additional experience and follow-up, we would be able to appreciate the real benefits of this prosthesis.