OBSTRUCTION OF URETHRAL STENTS BY MUCOSAL OVERGROWTH

Urethral strictures are difficult to cure. In 1988, a new treatment was reported, consisting of dilation or incision of the stricture followed by implantation of a specially designed stent meant to allow the urethral epithelium to heal and cover the stent while preventing shrinkage of the scar and reappearance of the stricture. Two cases are reported here in which implantation of the stent resulted in a foreign-body reaction and obstruction of the lumen of the urethra. The area obstructed was reopened by transurethral removal of the reactive tissue. The long-term effect of this reaction on the patency of the urethra is still unknown.