Efficacy of a thermoexpandable metallic prostate stent ( M emokath) in elderly patients with urethral obstruction requiring long‐term management with urethral F oley catheters

Aim To investigate whether the insertion of a thermoexpandable metallic prostate stent ( M emokath) facilitates the removal of F oley catheters in elderly patients ineligible for urethral obstruction surgery because of the potential complications involved in long‐term catheter management. Methods A total of 37 male patients (mean age 79.8 ± 6.2 years) ineligible for surgery under general anesthesia because of advanced age, the presence of post‐cerebrovascular disorders or anticoagulant therapy use and who subsequently had a M emokath stent inserted between J une 2007 and N ovember 2009 were enrolled in the present study. Patients with spinal injury were excluded. We compared the correlation between prostatic urethral length and total prostate volume ( TPV ). We also evaluated the postoperative postvoid residual ( PVR ) and presence of pyuria, and reviewed postoperative complications and unassisted urination ability. Results We found a positive correlation between prostatic urethral length and TPV . After the insertion of the M emokath stent, the catheters were removed from all patients who could urinate unassisted. The PVR was <50 mL in 76.4% patients, and there was a 52% improvement in pyuria after insertion of the M emokath stent. The mean postoperative follow‐up duration was 33.2 ± 16.7 months. A total of 21 patients (56.7%) were able to urinate unassisted after receiving the M emokath stent. Unassisted urination was difficult in patients with poor performance status. No serious complications were observed after insertion of the M emokath stent. Conclusions The M emokath stent was safe and useful for elderly patients with urethral obstruction and good performance status requiring long‐term management with urethral F oley catheters. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 553–558.