Prostatic stents

In the past 20 years, prostatic stents have evolved into a useful category of the endourologist's armamentarium. However, it is important to bear in mind the strengths and weaknesses of each device and its usefulness for various conditions. Permanent metallic stents are an excellent option for properly selected patients. We have even used them after brachytherapy for prostate cancer [7]. Considering the excellent long-term symptomatic improvement seen in relatively elderly, unhealthy patients, permanent stents should be seriously considered for patients with contraindications to surgery and for younger, complication-averse patients.