Direct vision internal urethrotomy.

During a five-year period, direct vision internal urethrotomy was used for the treatment of urethral strictures in 34 men. After the primary operation the patients were followed for an average period of 29 months (range 3-73 months). During this period 53% of the patients were found to have one or more recurrences. In most cases the new stricture was diagnosed during the first 12 months of observation. In a few cases, re-stricture was found as late as 36 months after the first treatment. Because of this tendency, a longer period of postoperative observation, including flow rate measurements at regular intervals is recommended. The operation is preferred for the treatment of strictures in the male urethra because it is easy to master and because of the low rate of complications.