The use of the diode laser for treating urethral strictures

To evaluate the efficacy of the diode laser as a new tool for treating urethral strictures. Patients and methods The study comprised 22 patients with urethral strictures; a diode laser was used to circumferentially ablate the scar tissue of the strictures. Through a cystoscope, a 400-600 micrometer semirigid fibre was used to transmit the laser energy in the direct-contact mode. The procedure was carried out with the patient under general or spinal anaesthesia, but the last three patients successfully tolerated local anaesthesia. A catheter was then left in place for 1-5 days.

The patients were followed for a mean (range) of 26.7 (9-39) months; in the 14 with previously untreated strictures the procedure was successful in 11, with no recurrence during the follow-up. However, seven of the eight patients with a recurrent stricture after previous internal cold-knife urethrotomy had a further recurrence, but occurring at longer intervals than after the internal urethrotomy. Conclusion This experience with the diode laser for treating urethral strictures suggests that it is safe and reliable, especially as the first line of treatment.