Insertion of 43 intraurethral catheters (IUC) was performed on 31 patients in order to replace an indwelling catheter for urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. The insertion of the IUC was done under local anaesthesia with lignocaine jelly in the out-patient clinic. The device has been in place for 3 to 14 months (mean 7), in 14 cases for greater than 3 months and in 29 cases for greater than 6 months. In 7 of the 43 inserted IUCs the device had to be removed earlier than intended (after 4.2-8 months) for reasons related to the device. Of the remaining 36 devices which were functioning well, 6 were removed at prostatectomy 3.5 to 8 months after insertion and an additional 6 IUCs had to be removed for reasons not related to the device; 24 IUCs are still in place and functioning satisfactorily. The mean maximal flow rate in these patients is 13.9 ml/s. Of the 31 patients, 27 had a positive urine culture before IUC insertion. None of the patients with the IUC had a clinically evident urinary tract infection, although in 7 cases the urine culture was positive during the follow-up period. All patients were in a better psychological state, and those who were able to perform sexually before they had the indwelling catheter were also able to perform sexually with the device in place. After long-term follow-up, the IUC has proved to be a cost-effective, successful alternative to an indwelling catheter and can be used as an alternative to prostatectomy in patients who are at high risk for surgery.