i-TIND – Temporary Prostatic Stent

• This procedure is performed when the prostate gland is causing LUTS and you want an alternative to medication without the complications of a permanent procedure.
• Ejaculation sparing
• Symptoms include:
  • a weak stream,
  • nightly urination,
  • frequent urination,
  • inability to urinate,
  • kidney failure due to the obstruction,
  • bladder stones,
  • recurrent bladder infections.
• Medication such as Flomaxtra, Urorec Minipress etc.  should always be given as a first resort.
• Duodart should not be prescribed for a man wishing to preserve sexual function.
• This is alternative to medication where ejaculatory function is to be preserved.
• Prostate cancer first needs to be ruled out by doing a PSA, and when indicated, with a 3T MRI scan of the prostate with an abnormal PSA with a possible prostate biopsy of any suspicious lesions.
• Prostate sizes up to 80-90 cc even midlobes are acceptable.

How is it done?

• Patients will receive a general anesthesia, unless contra-indicated.
• A cystoscopy is performed by placing a camera in the urethra with the help of a lubricant jelly and an irrigant (fluid).
• The inside of the bladder is viewed for pathology. If any suspicious lesions are seen, a biopsy will be taken.
• The device is placed through the cystoscopy sheath.
• A string will be left hanging out
• Prophylactic antibiotics will be given to prevent any infections.

Prophylaxis

• Prophylactic antibiotics.
• Cease all anti-coagulants i.e.: Warfarin and Aspirin 7-10 days prior to surgery.
• A script for Clexane 40mg daily subcutaneously will be provided to be commenced 7 days before biopsy when you Warfarin is ceased.

What to expect afterwards

• Any anesthesia has its risks, and the anesthetist will explain this to you.
• You may in extreme cases experience some blood loss.
• You will have a string hanging out from your urethra for 5-7 days
• Don’t pull on the string
• Lower abdominal discomfort for a few days
• Could have an inflammatory response requiring antibiotics.
• Discomfort in urination and frequency and urgency while the stent is in.
• You will be needed to return a week later for another day procedure under sedation for the removal of the stent
• A trial of void to confirm good urination
• Allow for 6 weeks for stabilization of symptoms thereafter.
• There may be some blood in your urine for up to 4 weeks post op. You can remedy this by drinking plenty of fluids until it clears.
• A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for 6 weeks.
• DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE, OR YOU WILL SUFFER ALONE!

Complications

• Hematuria (blood in urine) 2-3days.
• Ejaculation will not be affected thus preserving sexual function
• Infertility should not be an issue as there is no retrograde ejaculation. Don’t do it if you still want children.
• No Stress incontinence especially in the elderly and the diabetic patients
• May experience a slower stream initially due to swelling
• Some urgency symptoms for 6 weeks
• Possible infection.
• Further enlargement of prostate lobes within 3-5 years requiring a repeat procedure.
• NB! Each person is unique and for this reason symptoms vary!

ANY FEVER OR RIGORS REQUIRES URGENT ATTENTION

Download Information Sheet

Wes iTIND Therapy