Endoprosthesis implantation in the treatment of recurrent urethral stricture: a multicenter study. Sicilian-Calabrian Urology Society.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted by nine urology departments in southern Italy to assess the efficacy of and tolerance to treatment of recurrent urethral stricture using a permanent prosthesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since 1992, 99 prostheses have been implanted to treat inflammatory and iatrogenic (seven departments) or all types (two departments) of urethral strictures. The Urolume Wallstent was used in 94 cases. Three centers implanted more than one prosthesis when this was indicated. Local anesthesia was used by six centers, spinal anesthesia by two, and local or general by one. At three centers, urethrotomy was performed immediately prior to implantation; two centers used dilation to 30F, and two centers performed urethrotomy 24 or 36 hours before implantation. The median follow-up is 29.1 months (range 3-53 months). RESULTS: The results were good in 52%, fair in 34%, and poor in 14% of patients. The maximum flow rate increased >75% in 82% of patients. All departments reported complete reepithelialization of the urethra by 6 months. The short-term complications (7-28 days) were perineal discomfort (86%) and dribbling (14%). The long-term complications were painful erection (44%), mucous hyperplasia (44%), recurring stricture (29%), and incontinence (14%). All departments performed resection for hyperplasia in many cases. CONCLUSION: Permanent urethral endoprostheses can produce excellent results in patients with recurrent urethral strictures.