The use of self-expanding metallic urethral stents in the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral strictures: long-term results.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness and long-term results of using a self-expanding metallic urethral stent (Urolumetrade mark, American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MI, USA) to treat recurrent bulbar urethral strictures.


METHODS
Between 1990 and 1999, 65 stents were placed in 60 men (mean age 45.2 years, range 20-71) with a urethral stricture (mostly caused by trauma and present for a mean of 4.3 years, range 0.16-26) and who had previously undergone different unsuccessful treatments.


RESULTS
During a mean (range) follow-up of 3.8 (1-9) years the strictures in 52 of the 60 patients (87%) were treated successfully. All patients initially had postvoid dribbling incontinence, but this resolved in most within one week; 19 patients remain incontinent.


CONCLUSIONS
The Urolume is a cost-effective alternative to other treatments for recurrent bulbar urethral strictures of whatever cause.
Sertcelik
N
N
Urology Department, SSK Ankara Hospital, Diskapi, Ankara, Turkey. drsagnak@ixir.com
Sagnak
L
L
Imamoglu
A
A
Temel
M
M
Tuygun
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000628:therapy*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology