["Wallstent" intra-urethral prosthesis in recurrent urethral stenosis]

Urethral strictures recur in about 30% of the cases whatever might be the treatment. We describe a new urethral stent, originally developed in our Institution for vascular use after transluminal angioplasty. Since january 1986, we previously have controlled the biocompatibility and tolerance into the normal urethra of dogs with a one year of follow-up. The stent has a braided structure, made of fine stainless steel wires and is self-expanding when released from a special endoscopic instrument. From november 1987, we have implanted the stent into 11 males (mean age 54 years), after a previous urethrotomy has been performed. In two patients a second stent has been implanted for incomplete result. Now with a mean follow-up of 12 months all patients recovered normal micturation, only two complained of slight stress incontinence.