[Urethral strictures following transurethral resection of the prostate]

A series of 147 patients subjected to transurethral prostate resection (TUPR) are followed up for seven years with a special reference to urethral strictures development. The patients' age varies from 52 to 78 years, with an 18-month average postoperative observation term. The methods of diagnosis used comprise uroflowmetry, retrograde urethrography and urethrocystoscopy. Obstruction of the lower urinary ways and urethral strictures are documented in 16 cases (10 per cent). Usually, post-TUPR strictures occur within one to three months after the operation. A brief literature survey on the incidence rate of this complication, reported by other authors, along with a comparative assessment of the results, is done. The likely underlying causes involved, and the prophylactic measures against the complication are discussed.