Sphincterotomy failure.

Our experience with transurethral sphincterotomy in the spinal cord injured population of the Milwaukee VA Medical Center is reviewed. The 10-year retrospective analysis disclosed the operative procedure had to be repeated in nine out of 25 patients. The original success rate of the procedure was high, but significant failure appeared later. Possible mechanisms of failure are outlined. It is suggested that the results might be improved through the use of a bladder neck prosthesis. The latter is under active investigation.