Intraprostatic Urethral Catheter in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Six-Month Follow-Up Study

The use ofthe intraurethral prostatic spiral metal catheter (Prostakath) is rapidly gaining its deserved place as an alternative to the indwelling Foley catheter in alleviating the distress of the obstructed elderly patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our experience extends over a period of 6 months in 23 patients: 16 with indwelling catheters and 7 without but suffering obstruction from hyperplastic prostates. Good to excellent objective and subjective results were obtained in all 19 patients who had successful insertion of the device. In four cases, the attempted insertion failed because of technical difficulties. We propose several modifications in the mode of insertion, mainly concerning more vigilance in the introduction procedure. We advocate urethroscopy before and after successful insertion, in addition to the ultrasonic guidance suggested by the manufacturer. More clinical experience is still needed, but for the present, the device seems to be a good alternative to the traditional indwelling catheter.