*"Scott", continued: Our urologist wanted him to undergo an immediate open urethroplasty, and explained that the procedure offered the best chance for cure. Without it, he felt that "Scott" would be looking at a receiving a partial urostomy within a very few years. The family conceded, and he eventually went to Cornell Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. He underwent several individual "staged" surgeries, the last of which was a plastic reconstructive procedure. I do not know the eventual outcome, however, he did function well for at least three years afterwards.
Optical urethral surgery has only been around since the early 1950's. Rigid cystoscopes which were pioneered because of WWII had the reputation of causing damage to the urethra when passed past the penile urethra, and into the bulbar aspect of the structure. This damage was often resultant in strictures, and visual procedures were reserved for only penile-area defects, and T.U.R.P. (trans urethral resection of the prostate). In the early 1970's, advances in fiber optics allowed for the development of the flexible cystoscope, and the inception of visual internal urethral procedures as we know them today.
When you combine all of this information, it becomes somewhat apparent that the best way in which to persevere is to know your condition, your body, and your psyche thoroughly. While this disorder/disease/malady is not rare, it is not at the forefront of medical priority, sans a very few research institutions and reconstructive urologists. Education is the key to living with the diagnosis of urethral stricture stenosis.
Per: Moderator Tim