Long-term results of permanent urethral stent Memotherm implantation in the management of recurrent bulbar urethral stenosis.

Abstract

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Milroy reported 84% success at a mean of 4.5 years follow-up by usage of a permanently implantable "urolume" spent in 1993. Memotherm was developed later, especially for urologic use. Our study is one of the largest in this urea, with a high number of patients and a long follow-up period. • To evaluate the effectiveness and long-term results of permanent urethral stent (Memotherm) implantation in the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture. • In all, 47 patients with a history of previous unsuccessful treatment for bulbar urethral stricture were treated using Memotherm bulbar urethral stents between 1998 and 2002. • Long-term follow-up data was analysed and discussed. • At the end of the 7-year period 37 of 47 patients (78.7%) had been treated successfully. • Post-micturition dribbling incontinence lasting up to 3 months after stent placement occurred in 32 (68.1%) patients, but this was reduced to only seven patients (14.9%) by the 7-year follow-up. • There was stress incontinence of various severities in nine (19.2%) patients at the 1-year follow-up. These patients were those who had stenosed urethral segments adjacent to the external sphincter. At the long-term follow-up <10% of the patients had stress incontinence complaints. • Memotherm is a good treatment option in patients with recurrent bulbar urethral stricture of any cause.