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

Abstract

Study Type-Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 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. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and long-term results of permanent urethral stent (Memotherm) implantation in the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture. Patients and Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: Memotherm is a good treatment option in patients with recurrent bulbar urethral stricture of any cause.