title: [Transurethral thulium laser urethrotomy for urethral stricture].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of endourethrotomy with thulium laser as a minimally invasive treatment for urethral stricture.
  
  
  METHODS
  We treated 36 cases of urethral stricture or atresia by endourethrotomy with thulium laser, restored the urethral continuity by vaporization excision of the scar tissue, and observed the clinical effects and complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean operation time was 35 min, ranging from 10 to 90 min. Smooth urination was achieved after 2-6 weeks of catheter indwelling, with no urinary incontinence. The patients were followed up for 4-24 (mean 12) months, during which 27 did not need any reintervention, 5 developed urinary thinning but cured by urethral dilation, 3 received another laser urethrotomy for previous negligence of timely urethral dilation, and the other 1 underwent open urethroplasty.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thulium laser urethrotomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for short urethral stricture, which is also suitable for severe urethral stricture and urethral atresia. Its short-term outcome is satisfactory, but its long-term effect remains to be further observed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, The Fourth Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China. lcllmh@126.com
authors.forename: Chun-Lai
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Xi-Ling
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yi-Li
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Ping
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013932:Thulium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018666:Ureteroscopy; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013932:Thulium