[Self-expanding permanent endoluminal stents (SPES) in therapy of benign ureteral obstruction. 6 years personal experience and review of the literature].

At the urologic department of the Public General Hospital in Wels between 1994 and 2000, a self-expanding permanent endoluminal stent (SPES) was implanted in 13 women and 1 man (mean age: 52.2 years) with ureteral strictures. All patients had previously been treated unsuccessfully. An open operative approach was not possible because of various contraindications or because the patient had refused surgery. During a total follow-up period of 730 months (median: 59.9 months), primary patency lasted 669.3 months (median: 47.8 months). In nine patients no further intervention was necessary, and in four patients patency could be regained by additional interventions. In one patient the kidney had to be removed because of progressive renal insufficiency. Worldwide 98 cases of a SPES implant have been published so far. The patency rate was 68 of 98 stents (69.3%). The implantation of a SPES in the ureter for benign and complicated strictures represents a serviceable alternative to other urinary diversions. Additional clinical and experimental studies and long-term results are needed to make a definitive assessment of this method.