Temporary prostatic stenting using the Barnes stent Temporary prostatic stenting using the Barnes stent Introduction IntIrnotdruodctuicotnion Introduction

Introduction Temporary prostatic stents/intra-urethral catheters have been used successfully to relieve bladder outflow obstruction, including retention of urine, in those considered unfit for surgery.1,2 Advantages of this technique include the immediate relief of obstruction, the insertion and removal under local anaesthetic and the reversibility of the technique. An 80% success in acute retention has been reported and most patients eventually void if treated with a suprapubic catheter. Disadvantages include migration (usually proximal), irritative voiding symptoms, encrustation, infection and obstruction of the lumen.