The use of split-skin mesh graft in the management of urethral strictures

In the last 3 years 268 patients with urethral strictures have attended this unit. We treat most strictures by urethrotomy and consider an open operation only after two recurrences or in patients whose strictures are considered unsuitable for urethrotomy. Open operations have been performed on 42 patients. Although several types of operation have been used, most comprised an end-to-end anastomosis or Blandy's scrotal flaps. In the last few years a split-skin mesh graft has been used to replace the posterior urethra and the advantage of this technique is that the new urethra is soft and hairless. We present our experience with this method and our overall results.