[Optical studies and aids in the treatment of posttraumatic urethral strictures]

The paper presents the results of treatment of 172 patients of whom 50 had anterior urethral strictures and 122 posterior ones. In 167 of 172 patients urethral resection was performed irrespective of the site of constriction. The urethral patency was restored in 162 (97%) patients, whereas the operation was ineffective in 5 (3%). A relapse of stricture occurred in 16 (10%) of 162 patients in different periods following the operation, good results were obtained with repeated operations in 10 (6.2%). Sexual potency was observed in 30 (18.5%) patients. In patients with short strictures, optical urethrotomy by excising the scar tissue by a loop with a Storz resectoscope. The operation was ended with bladder drainage with a Foley No. 14 or No. 16 catheter for 1 to 2 weeks. All the operated patients showed good results within 4 to 12 months. No decreased sexual potency was seen in anybody. In addition, hydrocortisone solution was instilled around the scars in the area of anastomosis by using a urethroscope in 6 patients after urethral resection, but in one patient granulations were excised, which promoted improvement of therapy outcomes. In the authors' opinion, it is expedient to use irrigation urethroscopy as the choice of method for treating posttraumatic urethral strictures. Urethral resection is considered to be the basic therapy method. Optical urethrotomy is more preferable in strictures less than 1 cm in length. Following the resection urethroscopy is regarded to be indicated, which makes it possible to correct the outcomes of the basic operation.