Prostatic stents. Current perspectives for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The urethral stent is a relatively new treatment modality for symptomatic BPH. Our knowledge and experience using various stenting devices for this indication have been enhanced considerably within the last 12 to 18 months as the results from more investigations have become available. These preliminary data indicate that the intraurethral stent is an effective and safe treatment for symptomatic BPH in properly selected patients. Although the majority of clinical data currently available involve the UroLume Endourethral Prosthesis (American Medical Systems), other product designs such as thermosensitive and biodegradable prostheses are being investigated in animal models and human clinical trials. The ultimate urethral endoprosthesis for the treatment of an enlarged prostate gland resulting in symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction has yet to be developed.