Internal urethrotomy without a catheter: use of a urethral stent.

A method is presented that permits prolonged urethral stenting following an internal urethrotomy without the need of an indwelling Foley catheter. During this technique a 22F silicone catheter is inserted into the distended bladder, the balloon is left deflated and the catheter is advanced until the drainage hole is beyond the sphincter and no fluid drains through the catheter. At this point the catheter is cut flush with and sutured to the urethral meatus using 2 nylon sutures. The patient then is continent, able to void through the catheter lumen and has the advantage of a urethral stent without requiring catheter drainage. Of 21 patients 19 had good to excellent results 1 to 4 years after internal urethrotomy. Patient acceptance uniformly has been excellent and enthusiastic.