A stent for treatment of a body lumen through which a flow is effected on
either side of a sphincter, said stent comprising one or more windings
and having an inner core substantially covered by an outer core and
including a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member
disposed between the segments. When the stent is positioned within a
patient's urinary system, the first segment and second segments are
located on either side of the external sphincter to inhibit migration of
the stent while not interfering with the normal functioning of the
sphincter. The outer coating comprises an absorbable material that
provides temporary structural support to the stent. After absorption of
substantially all the outer coating of the stent, the remaining
relatively compliant inner core facilitates easy removal by the patient
by pulling a portion of the stent that extends outside the patient's body
for this purpose.