Internal optical urethrotomy at Sanou Souro hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso: Feasibility, safety and results

Internal optical urethrotomy is one of the harmless and less expensive methods in the treatment of urethra stricture. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility, the safety and the short-term results of this method in our urologic department. Seventy patients (age range 17-90 years) treated from 01/01/94 to 31/12/00 were included in this retrospective and descriptive study. Two principal aetiologies were pointed up: infectious structures (69%) and traumatic strictures (13%). The procedure has been successful in 74% of all cases with 16% of complications. The mortality rate of the procedure was zero. The results were good in 67% of cases at one month and in 44% during a average period of 4.5 months. In conclusion, internal optical urethrotomy in our medical context is feasible with few complications. These ones can be reduced by avoiding unfavourable indications. Since urogenital infection is the predominant aetiology, the best management of urethral stricture is the prevention of these infections.