Prostatic obstruction

Below is a brief introduction to prostatic obstruction. Please always consult a doctor for an examination if you experience symptoms of or suspect prostatic obstruction.

What is prostatic obstruction?

Prostatic obstruction is an obstruction of urine flow through the prostate due to pressure from the prostate against the urethra, which impedes the body’s ability to pass urine. Prostatic obstruction can occur in varying severity from light cases with limited symptoms and some continued flow of urine, to complete and acute obstructions with severe symptoms and no urine passage. Symptoms or suspicions of prostatic obstruction should always be consulted with a doctor.

Learn about the prostate

Prostate

The prostate is a walnut sized gland in men, positioned just below the bladder, and around the urethra which is the tube that allows urine to pass from the bladder. As men age the prostate enlarges but the enlargement varies from man to man and for some men this enlargement might cause a problem with the urination. BPH occurs when the enlarged prostate compresses the urethra and thereby compromises the urine flow. BPH does not lead to prostate cancer. However, some of the symptoms of prostate cancer and BPH are similar, so you should consult your doctor in case of doubt.

Symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH)

If you have one or several of the following symptoms, you may have an enlarged prostate (BPH):

Frequent urination – especially at night
Difficulty in starting to pass urine
Interrupted and/or weak stream of urine
Inability to empty your bladder completely
Pain during urination or foul-smelling urine
Incontinence (undesired leakage of urine)
Blood in the urine

Memokath™ solution

Memokath™ is a long-term solution for men who are not able nor wish to go through often repeated procedures or major surgery.

Memokath™ is a supportive spiral tube made of nickel-titanium ”Ni-Ti” which is inserted in the urethra to re-create passage of the urine.

Memokath™ is inserted under local anaesthesia and the stent is carefully inserted through the penis and placed with a cystoscope. The insertion usually takes about 30 minutes. After the insertion it is advised to drink plenty of water to minimize the risk of cystitis. Most patients can leave the hospital the same day and return to their daily routines.

Memokath™ can be left in place for several years and the risk of impotence and incontinence after the insertion, is very low. You can continue having sexual intercourse with the stent inserted.

Memokath™ does not activate security alarms. Since it is CT- and MRI compatible getting a scan is no problem. It does not cause nickel allergy as there is no nickel on the stent surface.