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European experience with the urethral Wallstent for urethral strictures
M H Ashken1, C Coulange, E J Milroy
1Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, UK.
European Urology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
The urethral Wallstent offers a safe and effective endoscopic solution for bulbar urethral strictures. This self-expanding stent shows good results with minimal complications over a 3-year period.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Devices
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Urethral strictures are a common urological condition.
- Current treatments like dilatations, urethrotomies, and urethroplasty can be invasive and have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the urethral Wallstent for treating bulbar urethral strictures.
- To assess the long-term outcomes of Wallstent implantation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 71 patients with bulbar urethral strictures.
- Implantation of a self-expanding stainless steel urethral Wallstent via an endoscopic introducer.
Main Results:
- Good outcomes observed over a 3-year follow-up period.
- Mild discomfort and slight urethral leakage were reported for up to 3 months post-procedure.
- No significant issues with stent migration, infection, or encrustation were noted.
- Serial endoscopic reviews indicated variable but complete healing in up to 12 months.
Conclusions:
- The urethral Wallstent provides a simple, safe, and effective endoscopic alternative for managing bulbar urethral strictures.
- This technique may reduce the need for more invasive surgical interventions.