A BIOABSORBABLE SELF-EXPANDABLE, SELF-REINFORCED POLY-L-LACTIC ACID URETHRAL STENT FOR RECURRENT URETHRAL STRICTURES: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

Abstract

Purpose We studied whether a new bioabsorbable self-expandable, self-retaining and self-reinforced poly-l-lactic acid double spiral stent is able to prevent the edges of a cut recurrent urethral stricture from adhering together and the scar from shrinking, thus obviating stricture recurrence. Materials and Methods A bioabsorbable spiral stent was inserted into the stricture site in the urethra immediately after optical urethrotomy in 22 patients with recurrent urethral stricture. Uroflowmetry, measurement of residual urine volume, urine culture and urethroscopy were performed before and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after optical urethrotomy. Results All 22 patients voided freely on day 1 or 2 after urethrotomy. The stent slipped partially proximal to the stricture and had to be changed in only 1 patient. The stent was totally epithelialized in all but 1 patient at 6 months and had degraded in all at 12 months. The improvement in flow rate was maintained during followup except in 10 patients with stricture recurrence, which was outside the stent area usually close to the external sphincter in 7 and in the stent area in 3. All recurrences were treated with repeat optical urethrotomy and a new stent was inserted. Urinary infections developed in 2 patients and were successfully treated with oral antibiotics. Conclusions The self-expandable self-reinforced poly-l-lactic acid double spiral stent is a promising new method in the treatment of recurrent urethral strictures. There is no need to remove the device and no foreign material remains in the urethra. However, longer followup and controlled studies are needed to evaluate all benefits and side effects of this new treatment modality.