[Endourethral prosthesis in recurrent urethral stenosis. Long-term follow-up].
OBJECTIVE
To describe our experience with urethral stents in the treatment of recurrent strictures.


METHODS
From March 1991 to July 1992, 17 Wallstent and 1 Strecker self-expandable stents were implanted. Patient follow-up ranged from 11 to 40 months. The results were analyzed on the basis of the clinical, urodynamic, radiological and cystoscopic findings.


RESULTS
Of the 18 patients in whom a urethral stent had been implanted, 2 (11.1%) required removal of the stent, 1 patient was lost to follow-up, 2 had died during follow-up from causes unrelated with the procedure. At 40 months follow-up, late complications were observed in 8 patients (47%): intraprosthetic excrescence, erectile disorders, pollakiuria, lithiasis, episodes of RAO, or incontinence.


CONCLUSIONS
In our view, the implanted urethral stent is a valid alternative when other techniques are not feasible or have failed (dilatation, internal urethrotomy, urethroplasty...), but we should not forget the long-term complications.
Guzmań Martínez-Valls
P L
PL
Servicio de Urología, Hospital General Universitario de Murcia, Espana.
Ferrero Doria
R
R
Tomas Ros
M
M
Rico Galiano
J L
JL
García Medina
V
V
Gil Franco
J
J
Fontana Compiano
L O
LO
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D015607:Stents; D013997:Time Factors; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000628:therapy*
Prótesis endouretrales en estenosis de uretra recidivada. Seguimiento a largo plazo.