Use of the Wallstent endourethral prosthesis in the treatment of recurrent urethral strictures.

Urethral strictures recur in about 30% of the cases irrespective of treatment. We describe a new urethral stent, originally developed in our institution for vascular use after transluminal angioplasty. We have previously tested the biocompatibility and tolerance in the normal urethra of dogs in a study with a 1-year follow-up undertaken in 1986. The stent has a braided structure, made of fine stainless steel wires and is self-expanding when released from a special endoscopic instrument. Since November 1987, we have implanted the stent in 25 men (mean age 54 years), after a previous urethrotomy had been performed. Eighteen were evaluated. Results are good, morbidity and complications occasional. This new technique has a considerable future in treating recurrent urethral stricture.