A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of using urolume prostatic stents in patients who have developed urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia but who are medically unfit for conventional transurethral resection of the prostate. From April 1995 through May 1996, 12 patients were studied (mean age, 80 years; range, 72-92 years). Pre-operative assessment pointed to major risk due to an underlying medical condition. Flexible cystoscopy and video-urodynamcis were performed to assess the detrusor function and to ascertain if prostatic obstruction was the cause of retention. After insertion of the prostatic stent, 11 patients managed to void on recovery from the anaesthesia and remained catheter-free during a mean follow up period of seven months (range, 2-18 months). There was no operative morbidity or mortality. Urolume prostatic stents represent a viable option for elderly patients with significant medical risks who have urinary retention. Pre-operative urodynamics are essential to identify appropriate candidates.