Abstract

 

Purpose: We have evaluated the long term efficacy and safety of permanent urethral stents (Memotherm) in

patients with recurrent urethral strictures.

Material and method: Between 1994 and 2001, 13 patients underwent Memotherm stenting following endoscopy

and radial internal urethrotomy for recurrent urethral strictures. Patients were followed-up for a mean of 58

months by uroflowmetry, urinary system ultrasonography and retrograde urethrograms.

Results: After stenting, 85% of the cases were successful, either with a complete (70%) or partial (15%) response.

Mean maximum flow rate was found to be 21,5 ±7,2 ml/sec. During the postoperative perical partial stenozis due

to in-stent epithelial hyperplasia was seen in two (15%) and recurrent stenosis proximal to the stent was also seen

in another two (15%) patients. Complications were minimal stress incontinance with terminal dribbling in two

patients and painful intercourse in another patient which lasted in a couple weeks.

Discussion: Permanent urethral stents should be the first choice of treatment in recurrent and uncomplicated

urethral strictures because of the ease of application, minimal invasiveness and low complication rates. They

should not be the first treatment in patients with severe periurethral fibrosis.

Key Words: Urethral Stricture, Stent