UROLUME IN URETHRAL STENOSIS - ITALIAN CLUB OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE UROLOGY EXPERIENCE

A multicenter study of the patients in whom the Urolume has been impla nted has been among the actions undertaken by the Italian Club of Mini mally Invasive Urology (UMICLUB). For each patient, a computer informa tion format has been prepared containing evaluation data related to th e preoperative period, the endoscopic procedure, and follow-up. The co llected data were computerized through unifunctional and multifunction al analysis. Of the 82 patients recruited, 76 were followed for a peri od ranging from 1 to 40 months. Urinoflow results dramatically improve d after implantation of the endoprosthesis: peak flow rates increased by 310%, while mean flow rates increased by 294%. Incontinence and dri bbling were found in 4% and 20% of the patients, respectively, and wer e independent of the distance between the external sphincter and the U rolume prosthesis and of the stent number and length. The cross-data e laboration seems to indicate a statistically significant relation betw een urethral preparation before Urolume implantation and stricture rec urrence, with recurrence being more frequent after dilation. Significa nt correlations have not been noticed between stenosis etiology, urina ry infection, type of anesthesia, and recurrence; between the type of anesthesia, stent length, and duration of hospitalization; or between stent number and position and pain. The impact of the Urolume prosthes is on sexual activity was marginal by all three measures considered (p ain during erection, coitus, and ejaculation).