[Urethrotomy of urethral strictures in adults (author's transl)].

The late results of optical "cold" urethrotomy so far have shown that this method of treatment of urethral stenoses and strictures of any type and location is superior to all other operative possibilities, the more so as the operation, carried out under local anesthesia, scarcely distresses the patient and he can easily recover. The danger of secondary injury is certainly reduced by the optical control yet bleeding may occasionally occur later. It should also be borne in mind in making the indication that with a relatively narrow urethra a high degree of iatrigenic scar stricture may develop. Relapses (ca. 12 to 47%) occur relatively seldom compared with other procedures. The relapse rate is affected by chronic urinary tract infections, the nature and duration of subsequent indwelling catheter treatment and the length and severity of the stricture.