Dynamism of andrological surgery in France: Evolution of procedures over 10 years.

INTRODUCTION: Andrology and urogenital reconstruction are emerging disciplines in French urology. The aim of our study was to evaluate the evolution of andrological surgical procedures over the period 2013-2022 using national data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected national common classification of medical acts (CCAM) coding data for all procedures involving andrological surgery from the Scansanté internet platform set up by the Technical Agency for Information on Hospitalisation, which collects prospectively from healthcare structures all procedures coded according to CCAM coding. All surgical procedures in andrology were selected. The inclusion period extended from 2013 to 2022. RESULTS: In 10 years, the number of vasectomies has increased tenfold, with 29,890 cases in 2022. Vaso-vasostomies remain marginal, with 80 cases per year. Trans-identity surgeries are rising sharply. Vaginoplasties have multiplied by 4 (333 in 2022) and masculinising surgeries have multiplied by 10 (234 in 2022). Penile prosthesis surgery has increased slightly over 10 years. The number of testicular biopsies has remained stable over time, as has the number of surgeries for curvature of the penis. CONCLUSION: Two andrological surgeries are showing very strong growth: vasectomy and transgender surgery. The emergence of these 2 activities is linked to societal aspirations. Urologists need to be trained to meet this demand. NIVEAU DE PREUVE: Grade 4.

50 years of inflatable penile implants: Where do we stand in France?

INTRODUCTION: With 50 years' experience, inflatable penile implants are the preferred option for erectile dysfunction refractory to pharmacological and mechanical treatment. Technical and surgical improvements have optimized patient success and satisfaction. However, multi-factorial dissatisfaction persists. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to provide an overview of available technological improvements and innovations, as well as the perioperative management and complications of inflatable penile implant surgery. METHOD: A literature review was carried out over the last twenty years to answer 4 questions: what are the different inflatable penile implants available in 2023, for which indications, results and complications. RESULTS: Four companies propose inflatable penile implants in France. The main improvements have been in the various components of the prosthesis with better cylinder extension, more ergonomic reservoirs, and more manageable pumps, leading to a better durability. Indications have been extended to patients suffering from Peyronie's disease and in emergency cases of priapism. In response to demand from the transgender population, specific phalloplasty implants have been developed. New options are being developed for difficult cases of retracted penis. Results show a high satisfaction rate. Currently the main challenge is the management of infection with the development of rescue protocols using antibiotics to preserve implants - or replace them in a single operation. CONCLUSION: After 50years' experience, improvements in penile implants led to effective, satisfactory and safe treatment and can be proposed in new indications. Further development is sill necessary to offer solutions in difficult cases.

Chatbots vs andrologists: Testing 25 clinical cases.

OBJECTIVE: AI-derived language models are booming, and their place in medicine is undefined. The aim of our study is to compare responses to andrology clinical cases, between chatbots and andrologists, to assess the reliability of these technologies. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed the responses of 32 experts, 18 residents and three chatbots (ChatGPT v3.5, v4 and Bard) to 25 andrology clinical cases. Responses were assessed on a Likert scale ranging from 0 to 2 for each question (0-false response or no response; 1-partially correct response, 2- correct response), on the basis of the latest national or, in the absence of such, international recommendations. We compared the averages obtained for all cases by the different groups. RESULTS: Experts obtained a higher mean score (m=11/12.4 σ=1.4) than ChatGPT v4 (m=10.7/12.4 σ=2.2, p=0.6475), ChatGPT v3.5 (m=9.5/12.4 σ=2.1, p=0.0062) and Bard (m=7.2/12.4 σ=3.3, p<0.0001). Residents obtained a mean score (m=9.4/12.4 σ=1.7) higher than Bard (m=7.2/12.4 σ=3.3, p=0.0053) but lower than ChatGPT v3.5 (m=9.5/12.4 σ=2.1, p=0.8393) and v4 (m=10.7/12.4 σ=2.2, p=0.0183) and experts (m=11.0/12.4 σ=1.4,p=0.0009). ChatGPT v4 performance (m=10.7 σ=2.2) was better than ChatGPT v3.5 (m=9.5, σ=2.1, p=0.0476) and Bard performance (m=7.2 σ=3.3, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The use of chatbots in medicine could be relevant. More studies are needed to integrate them into clinical practice.

Diagnosis and management of complications following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a synthetic mesh: French national guidelines for clinical practice.

Complications associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery using a synthetic non-absorbable mesh are uncommon (<5%) but may be severe and may hugely diminish the quality of life of some women. In drawing up these multidisciplinary clinical practice recommendations, the French National Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de santé, HAS) conducted an exhaustive review of the literature concerning the diagnosis, prevention, and management of complications associated with POP surgery using a synthetic mesh. Each recommendation for practice was allocated a grade (A,B or C; or expert opinion (EO)), which depends on the level of evidence (clinical practice guidelines). PREOPERATIVE PATIENTS' INFORMATION: Each patient must be informed concerning the risks associated with POP surgery (EO). HEMORRHAGE, HEMATOMA: Vaginal infiltration using a vasoconstrictive solution is not recommended during POP surgery by the vaginal route (grade C). The placement of vaginal packing is not recommended following POP surgery by the vaginal route (grade C). During laparoscopic sacral colpopexy, when the promontory seems highly dangerous or when severe adhesions prevent access to the anterior vertebral ligament, alternative surgical techniques should be discussed per operatively, including colpopexy by lateral mesh laparoscopic suspension, uterosacral ligament suspension, open abdominal mesh surgery, or surgery by the vaginal route (EO). BLADDER INJURY: When a bladder injury is diagnosed, bladder repair by suturing is recommended, using a slow resorption suture thread, plus monitoring of the permeability of the ureters (before and after bladder repair) when the injury is located at the level of the trigone (EO). When a bladder injury is diagnosed, after bladder repair, a prosthetic mesh (polypropylene or polyester material) can be placed between the repaired bladder and the vagina, if the quality of the suturing is good. The recommended duration of bladder catheterization following bladder repair in this context of POP mesh surgery is from 5 to 10 days (EO). URETER INJURY: After ureteral repair, it is possible to continue sacral colpopexy and place the mesh if it is located away from the ureteral repair (EO). RECTAL INJURY: Regardless of the approach, when a rectal injury occurs, a posterior mesh should not be placed between the rectum and the vagina wall (EO). Concerning the anterior mesh, it is recommended to use a macroporous monofilament polypropylene mesh (EO). A polyester mesh is not recommended in this situation (EO). VAGINAL WALL INJURY: After vaginal wall repair, an anterior or a posterior microporous polypropylene mesh can be placed, if the quality of the repair is found to be satisfactory (EO). A polyester mesh should not be used after vaginal wall repair (EO). MESH INFECTION (ABSCESS, CELLULITIS, SPONDYLODISCITIS): Regardless of the surgical approach, intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended (aminopenicillin + beta-lactamase inhibitor: 30 min before skin incision +/- repeated after 2 h if surgery lasts longer) (EO). When spondylodiscitis is diagnosed following sacral colpopexy, treatment should be discussed by a multidisciplinary group, including especially spine specialists (rheumatologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons) and infectious disease specialists (EO). When a pelvic abscess occurs following synthetic mesh sacral colpopexy, it is recommended to carry out complete mesh removal as soon as possible, combined with collection of intraoperative bacteriological samples, drainage of the collection and targeted antibiotic therapy (EO). Non-surgical conservative management with antibiotic therapy may be an option (EO) in certain conditions (absence of signs of sepsis, macroporous monofilament polypropylene type 1 mesh, prior microbiological documentation and multidisciplinary consultation for the choice of type and duration of antibiotic therapy), associated with close monitoring of the patient. BOWEL OCCLUSION RELATED TO NON-CLOSURE OF THE PERITONEUM: Peritoneal closure is recommended after placement of a synthetic mesh by the abdominal approach (EO). URINARY RETENTION: Preoperative urodynamics is recommended in women presenting with urinary symptoms (bladder outlet obstruction symptoms, overactive bladder syndrome or incontinence) (EO). It is recommended to remove the bladder catheter at the end of the procedure or within 48 h after POP surgery (grade B). Bladder emptying and post-void residual should be checked following POP surgery, before discharge (EO). When postoperative urine retention occurs after POP surgery, it is recommended to carry out indwelling catheterization and to prefer intermittent self-catheterization (EO). POSTOPERATIVE PAIN: Before POP surgery, the patient should be asked about risk factors for prolonged and chronic postoperative pain (pain sensitization, allodynia, chronic pelvic or non-pelvic pain) (EO). Concerning the prevention of postoperative pain, it is recommended to carry out a pre-, per- and postoperative multimodal pain treatment (grade B). The use of ketamine intraoperatively is recommended for the prevention of chronic postoperative pelvic pain, especially for patients with risk factors (preoperative painful sensitization, allodynia, chronic pelvic or non-pelvic pain) (EO). Postoperative prescription of opioids should be limited in quantity and duration (grade C). When acute neuropathic pain (sciatalgia or pudendal neuralgia) resistant to level I and II analgesics occurs following sacrospinous fixation, a reintervention is recommended for suspension suture removal (EO). When chronic postoperative pain occurs after POP surgery, it is recommended to systematically seek arguments in favor of neuropathic pain with the DN4 questionnaire (EO). When chronic postoperative pelvic pain occurs after POP surgery, central sensitization should be identified since it requires a consultation in a chronic pain department (EO). Concerning myofascial pain syndrome (clinical pain condition associated with increased muscle tension caused by myofascial trigger points), when chronic postoperative pain occurs after POP surgery, it is recommended to examine the levator ani, piriformis and obturator internus muscles, so as to identify trigger points on the pathway of the synthetic mesh (EO). Pelvic floor muscle training with muscle relaxation is recommended when myofascial pain syndrome is associated with chronic postoperative pain following POP surgery (EO). After failure of pelvic floor muscle training (3 months), it is recommended to discuss surgical removal of the synthetic mesh, during a multidisciplinary discussion group meeting (EO). Partial removal of synthetic mesh is indicated when a trigger point is located on the pathway of the mesh (EO). Total removal of synthetic mesh should be discussed during a multidisciplinary discussion group meeting when diffuse (no trigger point) chronic postoperative pain occurs following POP surgery, with or without central sensitization or neuropathic pain syndromes (EO). POSTOPERATIVE DYSPAREUNIA: When de novo postoperative dyspareunia occurs after POP surgery, surgical removal of the mesh should be discussed (EO). VAGINAL MESH EXPOSURE: To reduce the risk of vaginal mesh exposure, when hysterectomy is required during sacral colpopexy, subtotal hysterectomy is recommended (grade C). When asymptomatic vaginal macroporous monofilament polypropylene mesh exposure occurs, systematic imaging is not recommended. When vaginal polyester mesh exposure occurs, pelvic +/- lumbar MRI (EO) should be used to look for an abscess or spondylodiscitis, given the greater risk of infection associated with this type of material. When asymptomatic vaginal mesh exposure of less than 1 cm2 occurs in a woman with no sexual intercourse, the patient should be offered observation (no treatment) or local estrogen therapy (EO). However, if the patient wishes, partial excision of the mesh can be offered. When asymptomatic vaginal mesh exposure of more than 1 cm2 occurs or if the woman has sexual intercourse, or if it is a polyester prosthesis, partial mesh excision, either immediately or after local estrogen therapy, should be offered (EO). When symptomatic vaginal mesh exposure occurs, but without infectious complications, surgical removal of the exposed part of the mesh by the vaginal route is recommended (EO), and not systematic complete excision of the mesh. Following sacral colpopexy, complete removal of the mesh (by laparoscopy or laparotomy) is only required in the presence of an abscess or spondylodiscitis (EO). When vaginal mesh exposure recurs after a first reoperation, the patient should be treated by an experienced team specialized in this type of complication (EO). SUTURE THREAD VAGINAL EXPOSURE: For women presenting with vaginal exposure to non-absorbable suture thread following POP surgery with mesh reinforcement, the suture thread should be removed by the vaginal route (EO). Removal of the surrounding mesh is only recommended when vaginal mesh exposure or associated abscess is diagnosed. BLADDER AND URETERAL MESH EXPOSURE: When bladder mesh exposure occurs, removal of the exposed part of the mesh is recommended (grade B). Both alternatives (total or partial mesh removal) should be discussed with the patient and should be debated during a multidisciplinary discussion group meeting (EO).

Serious complications and recurrences after retropubic vs transobturator midurethral sling procedures for 2682 patients in the VIGI-MESH register.

BACKGROUND: Midurethral slings are the gold standard for treating stress urinary incontinence, but their complications may raise concerns. Complications may differ by the approach used to place them. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare serious complications and reoperations for recurrence after midurethral sling procedures when using the retropubic vs the transobturator route for female stress urinary incontinence. STUDY DESIGN: This analysis was of patients included in the French, multicenter VIGI-MESH register since February 2017 who received a midurethral sling for female stress urinary incontinence either by the retropubic or the transobturator route and excluded patients with single-incision slings. Follow-up continued until October 2021. Serious complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ grade III) attributable to the midurethral sling and reoperations for recurrence were compared using Cox proportional hazard models including any associated surgery (hysterectomy or prolapse) and a frailty term to consider the center effect. Baseline differences were balanced by propensity score weighting. Analyses using the propensity score and Cox models were adjusted for baseline differences, center effect, and associated surgery. RESULTS: A total of 1830 participants received a retropubic sling and 852 received a transobturator sling in 27 French centers that were placed by 167 surgeons. The cumulative 2-year estimate of serious complications was 5.8% (95% confidence interval, 4.8-7.0) in the retropubic group and 2.9% (95% confidence interval, 1.9-4.3) in the transobturator group, that is, after adjustment, half of the retropubic group was affected (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.6). The cumulative 2-year estimate of reoperation for recurrence of stress urinary incontinence was 2.7% (95% confidence interval, 2.0-3.6) in the retropubic group and 2.8% (95% confidence interval, 1.7-4.2) in the transobturator group with risk for revision for recurrence being higher in the transobturator group after adjustment (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.9); this surplus risk disappeared after exclusion of the patients with a previous surgery for stress urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: The transobturator route for midurethral sling placement is associated with a lower risk for serious complications but a higher risk for surgical reoperation for recurrence than the retropubic route. Despite the large number of surgeons involved, these risks were low. The data are therefore reassuring.

Which revision strategy is the best for non-mechanical failure of male artificial urinary sphincter?

PURPOSE: Persistence or recurrence of stress urinary incontinence (prSUI) after artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation may be secondary to non-mechanical failure (NOMECA). It have for long been assumed to result from urethral atrophy. Its existence is now debated. As the pathophysiology of NOMECA is not elucidated, the most appropriate management remains unclear. We aimed to compare the several revision techniques for NOMECA of AUS in men. METHODS: NOMECA was defined as prSUI, with normally functioning device, no erosion, infection or fluid loss. Exclusion criteria were neurogenic SUI, revision or explantation for other causes. From 1991 to 2022, 143 AUS revisions for NOMECA, including 99 cuff DOWNSIZING, 10 cuff repositioning (RELOC), 13 TANDEM-CUFF placement, 18 cuff changing (CHANGE), three increasing balloon pressure (BALLOON-UP), were performed in 10 centers. BALLOON-UP patients weren't included in comparative analysis due to small sample size. All components could be changed during the revision. Patients were also categorized in COMPLETE-CHANGE vs. PARTIAL-CHANGE of the device. RESULTS: The three-months complete continence rate was 70.8% with a significant difference between RELOC and DOWNSIZING groups (p = 0.04). COMPLETE CHANGE was significantly associated with complete continence status at three months in multivariate analysis (83.3% vs. 63.3%, OR = 2.7; CI 95% [1.1-7.1], p = 0.03). Estimated five-year reoperation-free and explantation-free survival were respectively 63.4% and 75.9% (p = 0.16; p = 0.30). Those were significantly longer in COMPLETE-CHANGE vs PARTIAL-CHANGE (82.2% vs. 69.6%, p = 0.03); (71.2% vs. 58.2%, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: AUS revision for prSUI due to NOMECA yields satisfactory outcomes regardless of the technique used. We observed better functional outcomes when repositioning the new cuff. COMPLETE-CHANGE may improve functional outcomes, explantation-free and reoperation-free survivals.

[Multidisciplinary meetings in pelvic floor disease in women: A national survey by the CUROPF among French urologists]. / Réunion de concertation pluridisciplinaire en pelvipérinéologie en France : résultats d'une enquête nationale du CUROPF auprès des urologues français.

INTRODUCTION: Multidisciplinary team meetings (MTMs) in the field of pelvic floor diseases in women tend to generalize, as they are required as mandatory before mid-urethral sling implantation or sacrocolpopexy by recent decrees published by the French health authorities. However, access to these meetings is variable in the French territory. The goal of the present study was to describe the existence and the settings of these kinds of meetings in France. MATERIEL AND METHODS: An on-line survey was conducted between June and July 2020 (stage 1) then between November 2021 and January 2022 (stage 2). A 15-item questionnaire was sent to all members of the Association française d'urologie (AFU). A descriptive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-two completed questionnaires were sent back during stage 1 and 158 during stage 2. Early 2022, 61.3% of respondents had access to a pelviperineology MTM, with important difference according to geographical areas. Main activity of MTMs was case discussion of complex situations (68% of meetings). At the end of 2021, 22% of the respondents declared willing to stop partially or totally their pelviperineology activity, given the new regulations set in place by the authorities. CONCLUSION: Despite being absolutely mandatory in current clinical practice, MTMs in pelvic floor disease have spread slowly. MTMs implementation was still insufficient in 2022, and variable on the French territory. Some urologists declare having no access to such resources and about 1 out of 5 were considering to voluntary stop of decrease significantly their activity in this difficult context.

Small intestinal submucosa xenograft to manage lower urinary tract prostheses perforation: a new path?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Tapes for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and meshes for pelvic organ prolapse can result in postoperative complications, such as urethral (UP) or bladder (BP) perforations. Martius fat pad (MFP) is an historic procedure, widely used to treat lower urinary tract (LUT) fistulae. We report our experience with the insertion of the biological small intestinal submucosa (SIS) xenograft as an alternative to MFP in these prosthetic complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, monocentric study which included all patients who underwent SIS insertion during surgical removal of tape/vaginal mesh for UP or BP from 2011 to 2019. Preoperative assessment was based on history, symptoms, physical examination and urethrocystoscopy. Primary outcome was successful repair defined as absence of any LUT defect. Secondary outcomes were complications, LUT symptoms, pain and additional SUI surgical procedures. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were included. Twenty-six had a UP and eight a BP. In four cases, perforation involved both the bladder neck and urethra. All LUT defects were cured. Six postoperative complications were reported (five of grade ≤ 2 and one of grade 3b according to the Clavien-Dindo classification). At the mean follow-up of 37.2 (range 6-98) months, 14 patients (36.8%) presenting a postoperative SUI underwent a SUI surgical procedure and 1 patient had a laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for cystocele recurrence. CONCLUSION: Absorbable SIS xenograft is an effective and safe graft for the management of lower urinary tract tape and mesh perforations. The cost has to be balanced with the good results, short operative time and no fat pad complications as in MFP.

Back to the future: vaginal hysterectomy and Campbell uterosacral ligaments suspension for urogenital prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate vaginal hysterectomy (VH) associated with vaginal native tissue repair (VNTR) using Campbell uterosacral ligament suspension (C-USLS) for the treatment of predominant uterine prolapse associated with cystocele. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective monocentric study including patients who underwent VH and C-USLS, without concomitant mesh, for primary urogenital prolapse between January 2011 and June 2018. We evaluated the anterior and apical prolapse recurrence rate, using a composite criterion (symptomatic, asymptomatic recurrence, POP-Q stage ≥ 2). We analyzed 2-year recurrence-free survival using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with recurrence. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were included. Eighty-three (88.3%) and 65 (69.1%) patients had stage ≥ 3 uterine prolapse and cystocele, respectively. Mean follow-up was 36 months. Prolapse recurrence rate was 21.3% including 3.2% of cystocele. Two-year recurrence-free survival was 80%. Age, body mass index, POP-Q stage and associated surgical procedure were not significantly associated with recurrence. Early complications were reported for 20 patients (21.2%), mostly grade ≤ 2 (95%). De novo LUTS were reported in 11 cases (11.7%). Preoperative stress urinary incontinence and urgency were cured for 12 (80%) and 29 (80.6%) patients, respectively. Sexual satisfaction rate for patients with preoperative sexual activity was 95.8%. CONCLUSION: C-USLS following VH as primary treatment for predominant uterine prolapse with associated cystocele is a safe procedure with satisfying mid-term functional results. This VNTR could be an alternative in light of the worldwide market withdrawal of actual vaginal mesh.

Evaluating single-incision slings in female stress urinary incontinence: the usefulness of the CONSORT statement criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness and applicability of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) for journal articles reporting randomized, controlled trials evaluating single-incision slings in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: Original articles reporting randomized, controlled trials assessing single-incision slings in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence were searched for in the PubMed and Embase databases in 2011. Reporting quality was studied by 2 hospital pharmacists and 2 urologic surgeons. Primary outcome was the score out of 20 in the abstract CONSORT checklist. Secondary outcomes were the scores in the standard CONSORT checklist and the extension CONSORT additional items for trials assessing nonpharmacologic treatments. RESULTS: Among 135 articles retrieved, 8 met the inclusion criteria and were assessed. Abstract scores ranged from 4.7-14.1. Standard scores were >10.0 out of 20 for most articles; the extension scores did not exceed 5.0 out of 10. Four reported trials were not identified as randomized in the title. The interventions were incompletely reported. Four articles reported whether blinding was achieved but lack of blinding was never discussed as a potential source of bias. Few articles reported the operators and centers characteristics and their impact on statistical analysis. The combination of the 3 checklists was considered a useful guideline to enhance and assess the reporting quality of a surgical trial. CONCLUSION: Our results support the further use of CONSORT criteria as a basic standardized tool in all stages of clinical evaluation for any prosthetic device in female pelvic surgery.

[Palliative treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia by permanent urethral stent (Ultraflex, Boston Scientific) in high surgical risk patients]. / Traitement palliatif de l'hyperplasie bénigne prostatique symptomatique par prothése endo-uréthrale permanente (Ultraflex, Boston Scientific) chez les patients a haut risque chirurgical.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the medium-term and long-term results of treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by permanent transprostatic urethral stenting in high surgical risk patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-centre retrospective study on 19 consecutive patients with a mean age of 79.5 years (range: 61-96) treated by nitinol permanent urethral stent (Boston Scientific Corp.) from December 1995 to July 2006 for bladder neck obstruction. All patients presented a major contraindication (ASA III or IV) to immediate conventional surgical management. Stenting was performed under endourethral Xylocaine gel local anaesthesia. Fourteen patients presented acute urinary retention and 4 had chronic obstructive renal failure. One patient with an indwelling catheter had a history of recurrent acute prostatitis. The functional results were assessed by resumption of voiding, determination of post-voiding residual volume, serum creatinine and presence or absence of symptomatic urinary tract infection. The anatomical assessment was performed by voiding and retrograde cystourethrography and urethral endoscopy. RESULTS: This series of 19 patients had a mean follow-up of 20 months (1-62). No intraoperative complication was observed. Resumption of voiding was achieved immediately postoperatively in 18 patients. One patient required more prolonged urinary drainage before voiding was restored. No cases of stent migration were observed. Postoperative serum creatinine was stable. Post-voiding residual volume was less than 100 ml in fifteen patients and less than 200 ml in four patients. One patient was explanted. CONCLUSION: The treatment of bladder neck obstruction by permanent urethral stenting is an alternative to surgery for patients considered to be temporarily or permanently inoperable. This indication remains exceptional, but should be kept in mind in view of the satisfactory medium-term results to associated with a low morbidity for a procedure performed exclusively under local anaesthesia.