[The intraprostatic spiral. Long-term results in 150 consecutive patients]

The clinical results of treatment of infravesical prostatic obstruction with an intraurethral coil in 150 consecutive patients are reported (previously published in (7)). The median follow-up time was 8.6 months (range 0 to 60 months). In 89 patients the spiral was removed after an average of four months (range 0 to 50 months); on account of dysfunction of the spiral in 58 cases, planned prostatectomy in 17 cases and unrelated to the spiral (stroke etc.) in 14 cases. A total of 34 patients died with the coil in situ. Approximately two-thirds of the patients had no or few voiding symptoms, while one fourth had moderate symptoms, leaving only approximately 10% with severe prostatism. Chronic bacteriuria was noted in 51 patients but was not a clinical problem. Migration occurred 65 times in 47 patients but this only led to coil removal in eight. Calcification of the coil was noted mainly after long-term treatment and we recommend replacement of the coil after two years. We conclude that the intraprostatic spiral is a useful alternative to an indwelling catheter. Life-long follow-up is, however, necessary in most patients.