Transurethral urethrotomy under vision

Transurethral urethrotomy under vision with the Sachse urethrotome is a new surgical procedure for the treatment of urethral strictures. The chief advantage of the urethrotome is the fact that the surgeon can cut strictures selectively and accurately under clear vision. The procedure is less painful than blind internal urethrotomy and less extensive cases can be done in the office with the patient under local anesthesia. We report on 36 cases with at least 6 months of followup. In 20 cases the strictures were distal to the prostate and the results were considered good in 16, improved in 3 and a failure in 1. The other 16 cases involved vesical neck contractures and all patients had good results. The technique for urethral strictures distal to the prostate and for vesical neck contractures is described and postoperative treatment is emphasized and discussed.