Permanent urethral stents for the treatment of recurrent urethral strictures

A total of seven patients with recurrent anterior urethral strictures were treated by endoscopic implantation of end urethral wallstent prosthesis. The stent is a selfexpanding stainless steel tubular mesh which, when implanted in the urethra, creates an open lumen by pressing against the urethral wall. Patients ages ranged from 28 to 67 years [mean age 47.1 years]. The follow-up period ranged from six to fifteen months [mean nine months]. Peak flow rate improved from 7.5 +/- 2 ml/sec [mean +/- S.D.] preoperatively to 22.6 +/- 6.7 ml/sec [mean +/- S.D.] six months after the procedure. Urethroscopy demonstrated complete epithelial covering of the stent within 6 months. The technique is simple and offers an effective and attractive form of treatment for selected urethral strictures. A longer follow-up is necessary