a resorbable stent , particularly adapted for implantation in the penile urethra , comprises a helical coil formed from a filament of a biocompatible , biodegradable material that is resiliently deformable . the stent is compressible from a first diameter to a smaller second diameter , and restores itself substantially to its first diameter by its own resiliency when the compressing force is removed . polymers of polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid are preferred materials . a device for inserting the stent has a first embodiment that includes a retractable sheath surrounding a rotatable rod journaled in a stationary bushing . the stent is mounted on the rod and the bushing so that relative rotation of the rod and bushing compresses the stent by coiling it more tightly . the sheath is inserted into the urethra with the stent compressed inside of it , and the retracted . the rod and bushing are then relatively rotated so as to uncoil the stent , which is restored to its first diameter . a shearing sleeve is actuated to detach the stent from the rod and the bushing . a second embodiment includes a plunger on which the stent is detachably mounted . the plunger is inserted through the sheath , thereby compressing the stent . when the stent is discharged through the distal end of the sheath into the urethra , the stent resiliently restores itself to its first diameter .