Optical urethrotomy for urethral strictures--a preliminary report.

24 patients with urethral strictures which were managed with the optical urethrotome are studied. These patients had developed strictures due to previous transurethral reaction of the prostate, and trauma or inflammation of the urethra. In some cases we have not been able to determine the aetiology of the problem. 58% of the patients responded satisfactorily to this mode of therapy. Although a high percentage develop recurrent stenosis, these can be treated by repeated urethrotomy under vision without much morbidity. Resistant cases would need urethroplasty.