["Wallstent" endo-urethral prosthesis in recurrent stenoses of the urethra]

Urethral strictures recur in about 30% of the cases whatever the treatment. We describe a new urethral stent, originally developed in our Institution for vascular use after transluminal angioplasty. Since January 1986, we have controlled the biocompatibility and tolerance in the normal urethra of dogs with a one year 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 previous urethrotomy. In two patients a second stent was implanted for incomplete result. Now, with a mean follow-up of 12 months, all patients have recovered normal micturition and only two complain slight stress incontinence.