[The intraurethral catheter. A 3-year experience].

One hundred and thirty prostatic stents were inserted in 94 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Seventy eight of these patients (83%) had an indwelling catheter because of chronic urinary retention. The other 16 patients had severe obstructive symptoms. Of the 130 IUCs inserted, 80.8% were successful. Fifty three stents were left for 1 to 6 months and 52 remained in place for 6 to 19 months. All patients were continent. The IUC may be an alternative to surgery in patients with a high risk for prostatectomy, or may replace an indwelling catheter until surgery is possible.