MEMOKATH STENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF URINARY TRACT OBSTRUCTIVE DISEASES
The purpose of the study was to consider the possibilities of using Memokath stents in patients with urinary tract obstructive disease. Memokath stents were inserted in 19 patients (8 ureteral, 9 urethral and 3 prostatic) aged 29 to 72. In 2 patients with scarring- sclerotic process in the pelvis, stent migration occurred as a result of radiotherapy. Ureteral catheter stents were thereby placed with a positive effect into the inner lumen of Memokat stents in order to prevent further migration. Besides, in 2 cases stents were removed due to inadequate functioning. In the course of the study no complications were observed. By visual examination, no alterations were found on the inner or outer stent surfaces. No complications with the removal of stents occurred. The rest of the patients (drainage period lasts from 4 to 14 months) are being monitored; the urine drainage in the upper urinary tract is normal. According to preliminary data, the Memokat stent has a significant advantage over any other metal stents, being easily tolerated by patients. The exclusive property of alloy material thermal memory of the stent allows its effortless removal. Removal of any other types of metallic ureteral stent has presented certain difficulties so far. Compared to netlike stents, Memokah stents do not allow any intergrowth inside or through the stent. Prepressure on the excised urethral scar tissue by a stent leads to the formation of a fully epithelial wide urethral canal, which contributes to stricture recurrence prevention.