Repeated internal urethrotomy for the treatment of male urethral stricture

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of repeated internal urethrotomy as the treatment for male urethral stricture. Methods A total of 296 patients with proved urethral stricture was treated with optical internal urethrotomy and the value of repeated internal urethrotomy has been analysed. Results Of the 296 patients internal urethrotomy has been successful in 261 (88.2%),217 patients with single operation,twice or three times with successful outcome in 32 and 12 patients respectively.35 patients (11.8%) failed with more than three times internal urethrotomy,of which 26 patients was then treated with stents and 9 required open surgery. Conclusions Internal urethrotomy is an efficacious treatment for male urethral stricture,but repeated operation is of limited value especially when the course of the disease is longer than 1 year.