The intraprostatic spiral. New treatment for urinary retention.

In a series of 45 consecutive patients with acute or chronic urinary retention, 41 were treated by insertion of an intraprostatic spiral using ultrasonic guidance under local anaesthesia. Insertion was successful in 35 patients and in 6 the spiral was inserted endoscopically. During a follow-up period of 12 months 8 patients died, all with a functioning spiral. The device was removed in 16 patients; in 6 cases the reasons for removal were related to the spiral and in 10 they were not. The spiral remained in situ in 17 patients and all had satisfactory voiding. This device is a good alternative to an indwelling catheter in patients awaiting prostatic surgery and also in those who are either unfit or unwilling to undergo prostatectomy.