Urethral strictures following transurethral prostatectomy: review of 2,223 resections.

There were 2,223 consecutive transurethral prostatectomies reviewed in regard to the incidence and possible etiology of postoperative urethral strictures. Possible etiologies were evaluated and a mode of stricture formation was postulated. Factors considered to be important were 1) initial calibration of the urethra to determine anatomical adequacy prior to instrumentation, 2) gentle urethral dilatation, 3) the use of perineal urethrostomy in patients with strictures noted at the time of initial endoscopy and 4) the size of the urethral catheter used postoperatively.