Endoscopic Procedures

Endoscopic (through a scope in the urethra) options include dilation, urethrotomy and stenting.  In addition to these procedures, some patients may benefit from passing a catheter through the urethra intermittently to keep there stricture from contracting.  Although the endoscopic options are relatively quick and non-invasive, they are almost never curative.  Furthermore, repetitive endoscopic procedures may lead to extension or progression of the stricture when it recurs. 

Urethral stents are metallic mesh tubes that push out against the wall of the urethra.  They are rarely used due to inherent problems with stricture recurrence, stent encrustation (stone formation on the stent), chronic pain and migration.  Urethral stents are permanent and cannot be extracted without excising the portion of urethra in which they reside.  When strictures recur with a urethral stent in place (and they often do!) subsequent treatment is more difficult than if no stent is present.