[Application of urethral stent under metal bougie guidance]

We reviewed our experience in the application of a urethral spiral stent under metal bougie guidance for 10 patients from March 1992 to May 1992. Five cases had urinary retention that required indwelling catheters and 5 cases had an obstructive symptom. The patients ranged from 52 to 89 (mean 80.2) years old. Urethral stents were used since the patients were either unfit for or refused operations for benign prostatic hyperplasia, inoperable advanced prostatic cancer with urinary retention or neurogenic bladder. The urethral stent in these cases was a spiral coil type, made of gold-plated stainless steel. Under local anesthesia, it could be easily and safely inserted using a 9 Fr. metal bougie (Dittel type). The urethral stent was placed under fluoroscopic guidance. In all cases, the urethral stent was inserted and successfully moved into place. Eight patients could void by themselves immediately after insertion and their quality of life seemed to be significantly improved. We concluded that the insertion of a spiral coil intraurethral stent under a metal bougie guidance is a new, easy and non-invasive treatment for elderly patients with lower urinary tract obstruction.