Iatrogenic prostatic urethral strictures: classification and endoscopic treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The treatment of posterior urethral strictures is a controversial subject. For proper treatment, it is important to differentiate between iatrogenic prostatic urethral strictures and post-traumatic membranous urethral strictures. METHODS: Iatrogenic strictures of the prostatic urethra have been classified according to location and etiology into three categories: type I, located exclusively at the bladder neck; type II, located in the midportion of the prostatic fossa; and type III, when the whole prostatic fossa is replaced by stricture. From 1970 to 1996, 163 patients with postoperative strictures of the prostatic urethra were treated endoscopically. RESULTS: The results obtained in 122 patients are reported; 41 patients are not evaluable. The median follow-up was 63 months (range 12 to 239). Seven patients required a second endoscopic procedure to attain cure. Good results were achieved in 54 (91%) of 59 patients with type I strictures, in 45 (98%) of 46 patients with type II strictures, and in 13 (76%) of 17 patients with type III strictures. The overall success rate was 92% (112 of 122). Complications occurred in 21 patients (17%), including postoperative urinary tract infection (11%), incontinence (4%), stress incontinence (1%), and severe bleeding (1%). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative strictures of the prostatic urethra must be recognized and can be easily treated with endoscopic therapy.