AlliumTM Bulbar Urethral Stent: An Updated Long-Term Multi-Center Study with New Treatment Modality for Bulbar Urethral Stricture

Objectives: To report the 2-years follow-up of patients with bulbar urethral strictures treated with the new AlliumTM Bulbar Urethral Stent (Allium BUS). Methods: The stent is a fully covered, self-expendable, large caliber metal stent specially designed for the treatment of bulbar urethral strictures. The stent is comprised of a coiled super-elastic structure covered by a polymeric coating designed to prevent mucosal hyperplasia. The indwelling time is 12 months, after which the stent should have been removed. Sixty-four patients with recurrent bulbar stricture were treated with Allium BUS in 3 worldwide centers. Results: All stents were successfully inserted with no perioperative complications. In a median follow-up of 25.5 months, the mean maximal flow rate following stent insertion was significantly higher compared to the pre-surgical flow rate (14 ml/sec vs 6.6 ml/sec, p < 0.0001). Longer indwelling time and shorter stricture length were significantly related to success rate. The main complications were stent migration, stent re-stenosis and urinary tract infections. Conclusions: The temporary placement of the AlliumTM BUS showed encouraging results with long-term failure rate of only 25%.

Fournier’s gangrene after insertion of thermo-expandable prostatic stent for benign prostatic hyperplasia:A case report

BACKGROUND Thermo-expandable urethral stent(Memokath 028)implantation is an alternative treatment for older patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic obstruction.Following prostatic urethral stent implantation,minor complications such as urinary tract infection,irritative symptoms,gross hematuria,and urethral pain have been observed;however,there are no reports of life-threatening events.Herein,we report a critical case of Fournier’s gangrene that occurred 7 years after prostatic stenting.CASE SUMMARY An 81-years-old man with benign prostatic hyperplasia(volume,126 ccs;as measured by transrectal ultrasound)had undergone insertion of a thermoexpandable urethral stent(Memokath 028)as he was unfit for surgery under general anesthesia.However,the patient had undergone a suprapubic cystostomy for recurrent acute urinary retention 4 years after the insertion of prostatic stent(Memokath 028).We had planned to remove the Memokath 028;however,the patient was lost to follow-up.The patient presented to the emergency department 3 years after the suprapubic cystostomy with necrotic changes from the right scrotum to the right inguinal area.In digital rectal examination,tenderness and heat of prostate was identified.Also,the black skin color change with foulsmelling from right scrotum to right inguinal area was identified.In computed tomography finding,subcutaneous emphysema was identified to same area.He was diagnosed with Fournier’s gangrene based on the physical examination and computed tomography findings.In emergency room,Fournier’s gangrene severity index value is seven points.Therefore,he underwent emergent extended surgical debridement and removal of the Memokath 028.Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics were administered and additional necrotic tissue debridement was performed.However,the patient died 14 days after surgery due to multiorgan failure.CONCLUSION If Memokath 028 for benign prostatic hyperplasia is not working in older patients,its rapid removal may help prevent severe complications.