[Treatment of complete rupture of the posterior urethra by endoscopic realignment].

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and benefit of treatment of complete rupture of the posterior urethra by endoscopic realignment.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Between 1991 and June 1998, 14 men were hospitalised for complete traumatic rupture of the posterior urethra: 13 of them were treated by endoscopic realignment.

RESULTS

With a mean follow-up of 29 months, all patients are continent and urinate with a satisfactory urinary stream. Two patients developed an urethral stricture and three others developed two urethral strictures treated by internal urethrotomy (38.4%). Three patients are impotent, one following embolization of both hypogastric arteries (23%).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic realignment of complete rupture of the posterior urethra is a simple, minimally invasive technique, allowing optimal preservation of continence and erection in these young patients. It may induce urethral strictires which can be effectively treated endoscopically and which can be prevented by systematic use of self-calibration of the urethra.