Clinical Experience of Prostakath Application in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Seok, In Jing; Nam, Sam Keuk

Abstract

Prostakath represents a new idea. The spiral shaped spring inserted in the prostatic urethra keeps the enlarged prostatic lobes compressing the urethra so far apart that self voiding is possible. The physiologic function of the external sphincter is maintained due to the special form of the spiral. Prostakath was inserted in 13 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy who had long-term indwelling bladder catheters and anesthetic contraindications to an operation. Of the 13 patients 1 did not reach 3 months of follow-up due to removal of Prostakath. The remaining 12 patients were followed with clinical evaluation. urine cultures, retrograde urethrography and urine flow rates at 1 day and 3 months. Final evaluation at 3 months showed normal voiding in 83% of the patients with an absence of significant residual urine in all. In 8 patients (67%) urinary flow rates varied between 10 and 20cc per second and in the remaining it was less than 10cc per second. In 92 % of the patients follow up urine cultures were negative. We believe that placement of Prostakath permits selected patients to be freed from long-term indwelling bladder catheters. This is a valid alternatives a prostatic operation in high risk patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy.