Internal optic urethrotomy in the management of urethral strictures in Nigerians : technique and outcome

RESUMO

Objectives To evaluate the role of internal optical urethrotomy in the management of patients with urethral strictures seen at the University College Hospital; Ibadan; Nigeria. Patients and Methods The study was carried out over a five year period. The details of the technique used; including measures taken to ensure that the stricture tract is not lost during urethrotomy are described. A total of 40 patients with urethral strictures were treated by internal optical urethrotomy during the study period with an age range of 26-80 years (mean 42.2 years). The aetiology of the stricture was post-infective in 80of the cases. Results Seventy-five percent of the patients have maintained a satisfactory flow rate of between 15 ml/sec and 28 ml/sec with a mean flow rate of 23 ml/sec after a single attempt at urethrotomy and over a period of follow-up of between 6 months and 5 years. Conclusion Internal optical urethrotomy can be effective in the management of patients with post-infective urethral strictures that do not involve the membranous urethra; and should be attempted in the first instance where the facility exists; particularly as a failed urethrotomy does not jeopardize the management of the stricture by other techniques