The use of biodegradable PGA stents to judge the risk of post-TURP incontinence in patients with combined bladder outlet obstruction and overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE: For patients with the combination of severe bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and severe overactive bladder (OB), no straightforward and safe treatment exists due to the risk of urge incontinence after TURP. In this study we have used a biodegradable polyglycolic stent to simulate the status after TURP and register the risk for urge incontinence. METHODS: A total of 37 patients with severe OB, combined with moderate to severe BOO, were asked if they wanted to participate. Under cystoscopic vision a polyglycolic biodegradable stent was inserted in the prostatic urethra. RESULTS: Twenty-five of the patients noticed no or only minor leakage and 19 of these have been subjected to TURP with good results. Three patients are on the waiting-list for TURP. Twelve of 37 patients were found to have major leakage after stent insertion. During the stent period, we noted five cases of complications, due to UTI, stent crash and irritation. All of these patients recovered within three weeks. CONCLUSIONS: A biodegradable PGA stent seems to be a new and unique tool to test the risk for post-TURP incontinence in patients with combined BOO and severe OB.