Self-catheterization after urethrotomy. Prevention of urethral stricture recurrence using clean intermittent self-catheterization.

Following urethrotomy approximately 50% develop recurrence within 6 months. Twenty-nine consecutive patients were offered clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) as a preventive measure against urethral stricture recurrence following internal urethrotomy. Ten patients dropped out during the scheduled 6-month regimen. Of the 19 patients left, a significantly improved flow was maintained over the period of observation. No reoperations were required. Prior to the trial, 14 of the 19 patients had a history of recurrent urethral stricture; 92% of these recurrences were diagnosed within 6 months following urethrotomy. It is concluded that CISC seems to be a promising preventive measure against recurrence of urethral stricture.