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A urethral stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the urethra due to spongiofibrosis of the urethral mucosa and the underlying corpus spongiosum. The diagnostics include uroflowmetry, sonography and radiology. For penile strictures the success rate of endoscopic treatment is low. Therefore, urethroplasty should always be performed, preferably using oral mucosa. Depending on the complexity, reconstruction must be carried out in one or multiple stages. For short bulbous strictures endoscopic treatment can primarily be carried out. In the case of recurrence urethroplasty should be carried out. The indications for urethral reconstruction are primarily given for long bulbous strictures. Depending on the length and extent of the stricture, a scar resection and end-to-end anastomosis, non-transsecting end-to-end anastomosis or augmentation urethroplasty can be performed. Perineal urethrostomy (the so-called boutonnière procedure) is a treatment option for patients with complex strictures or for patients who want a straightforward solution., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Urethral reconstruction is an important area of expertise for urologists. The buccal mucosa is considered the best option when urethral grafting is necessary, although in some cases, it is inappropriate or needs to be optimized to repair a given stricture. Therefore, developing innovative procedures and evaluating their putative success in experimental models is crucial to fit the clinical need. With this goal, this study describes a protocol in which urethral stricture was induced by electrocautery in Wistar rats. Urethral reconstruction was performed 1 week later with a buccal mucosa graft, harvested from the lower lip, and placed in a ventral onlay fashion. A retrograde urethrogram showed a significant improvement in urethral diameter after urethroplasty compared to the respective value after stricture induction. Additionally, the graft placement was assessed by blood perfusion analysis using laser Doppler. As expected, a dark blue area corresponded to the non-vascularized buccal mucosa graft. This procedure can successfully simulate the normal pathophysiological process of urethral injury and tissue modulation, as well as urethral reconstruction using a buccal mucosa graft in a reproducible manner, and serve as the basis for future research based on tissue engineering or urethral grafts.

Objective: To develop an imaging modality for the postoperative phalloplasty urethra. Despite high urologic complication rates after masculinizing genital surgery, existing methods for postsurgical evaluation after phalloplasty have drawbacks. Fluoroscopic studies like the retrograde urethrogram have limitations like user-dependence and need for meticulous positioning but also are inadequate for the evaluation of the anatomically complex postphalloplasty urethra. We developed a novel protocol utilizing CT urethrography with 3D reconstruction using cinematic rendering (3DUG) for neo-urethral imaging., Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent 3DUG after either phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, or prior to revision surgery were included. Low-dose imaging protocols were used to avoid any increases in radiation exposure. The first iteration of our protocol utilized retrograde contrast administration via the penile urethra, whereas the second iteration of our protocol utilized an antegrade technique with contrast instillation via the suprapubic catheter and a voiding scan. Imaging was initially obtained according to symptoms and then per protocol at 3 weeks after urethral lengthening., Results: Twenty-six patients were included in the series. Among postoperative phalloplasty patients imaged for symptoms, contrast extravasation/fistula was identified in 5 (63%), vaginal remnant in 3 (38%), and stricture in 2 (25%) compared to 5 (45%), 1 (9%), and zero respectively for patients imaged routinely. When intervention was required, operative findings correlated to anatomy on imaging., Conclusion: We present a new protocol for the use of 3D CT urethrography with cinematic rendering for neo-urethral reconstruction. This technique has the potential to improve surgical planning and surveillance of urologic complications in postphalloplasty patients., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the ability of photocurable gelatin to prevent stricture recurrence after urethral dilation in a rabbit urethral stricture model., Methods: We created urethral strictures in the bulbar urethras of 10 male Japanese white rabbits using electrocoagulation. After 1 month, the rabbits were randomly divided into Group A (n = 5; urethral stricture dilation and the local application of photocurable gelatin using a ruthenium photoinitiator and irradiation with a light-emitting diode light [λ = 455 nm, 50 mW/cm 2 ] for 1 min) and Group B (n = 5; dilation only). Urethral stricture status was evaluated 1-2 months later by retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy. The lumen ratio (urethral width at the stricture site to the normal urethral width on retrograde urethrography) was calculated. Urethral patency was considered to be improved when the urethral lumen could accommodate a 10-Fr urethroscope without resistance. Urethral specimens were harvested for histopathological examination., Results: The mean lumen ratio did not differ significantly between Groups A and B before dilation (25.8% vs 23.4%; P = 0.40), but differed significantly after dilation (65.5% vs 27.3%, respectively; P = 0.03). Urethral patency improved in all rabbits in Group A (100%) versus one rabbit in Group B (20%; P = 0.02). The mean circumference of the regenerated urethral epithelium at the stricture site was larger in Group A than in Group B (14 mm vs 6.6 mm; P = 0.06)., Conclusions: Photocurable gelatin can reduce urethral stricture recurrence after dilation in a rabbit model., (© 2021 The Japanese Urological Association.)

Purpose: To show utility of tadalafil in enhancing visualization of posterior urethra in patients with urethral stricture., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of adults male who failed to delineate the posterior urethra while undergoing combined voiding cystourethrogram and retrograde urethrogram (VCUG and RUG), as a part of preoperative assessment of stricture length and location before urethral reconstruction. The study was repeated 24 h later after a single dose of tadalafil 20 mg was administrated 2 h before the procedure (Tadalafil group). A control group who did not receive any medication was used for comparison (control group). This study was carried out in between March 2016 and August 2019., Results: Thirty patients were included in the tadalafil group and equal number of patients was used as control group for comparison. The etiologies of strictures were pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect (39 patients), bulbar stricture with complete obliteration (15 patients) and post catheterization (6 patients). Success rate of opening bladder outlet on initiation of voiding was 90% in tadalafil group and 40% in the control group (P = 0.0004). None of the men reported any serious adverse events after oral administration of the drug. Almost all AEs were mild and well-tolerated., Conclusion: Tadalafil effectively relaxes the bladder neck and the posterior urethra prior to combined VCUG and RUG in urethral stricture patients. Tadalafil was safe with no serious adverse effects when administered prior to performing the test. This prevents the patients from undergoing further invasive or expensive diagnostic techniques, moreover, tadalafil assisted in preoperative surgical preparation and patient's counseling., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of SonoVue urethrosonography in diagnosing the adult male anterior urethral strictures pathology in comparison with retrograde urethrography., Material and Method: We standardised the method and performed a comparative study evaluating the diagnosis of urethral strictures using retrograde urethrography and retrograde ultrasonographic exploration with SonoVue on 6 male patients., Results: In all patients, the existence of urethral stricture, localization and its extension were confirmed. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic exploration brought additional categories of information: the degree of spongiofibrosis, the elasticity of the urethral walls and the presence of urethral lithiasis. There were no periprocedural incidents., Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and innocuity of urethral ultrasound with SonoVue. Real-time ultrasound exploration highlights aspects that are not seen in radiological examination, so the method can be complementary or alternative to this procedure.

Visualization of the surgically operated tissues is vital to improve surgical model animals including mouse. Urological surgeries for urethra include series of fine manipulations to treat the increasing number of birth defects such as hypospadias. Hence visualization of the urethral status is vital. Inappropriate urethral surgical procedure often leads to the incomplete wound healing and subsequent formation of urethro-cutaneous fistula or urethral stricture. Application of indocyanine green mediated visualization of the urethra was first performed in the current study. Indocyanine green revealed the bladder but not the urethral status in mouse. Antegrade injection of contrast agent into the bladder enabled to detect the urethral status in vivo. The visualization of the leakage of contrast agent from the operated region was shown as the state of urethral fistula in the current hypospadias mouse model and urethral stricture was also revealed. A second trial for contrast agent was performed after the initial operation and a tendency of accelerated urethral stricture was observed. Thus, assessment of post-surgical conditions of urogenital tissues can be improved by the current analyses on the urethral status.

Objective: To explore the methodology for the establishment of the urethral stricture model in rats, the methods of end-point imaging evaluation of the model establishment and their efficiency., Methods: Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly divided into a blank control (n = 6) and a model group (n = 18), and the model was established by cutting the penile segment of the urethra to induce incomplete urethral rupture. Then the model rats were treated by injection of transforming growth factor-β1 (the TGF group, n = 6) or mesenchymal stem cells (the MSC group, n = 12) into the urethral cavernosum. At 4 weeks after modeling, the urethral condition of all the rats was evaluated blindly using high-frequency ultrasound combined with water bath, followed by comparison among different groups., Results: Compared with the blank controls, the model rats showed evident urethral stricture, with more significant urethral fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the TGF than in the MSC group. Ultrasonography revealed significantly narrowed echo strips (P < 0.01), decreased echo intensity and blurred echoes in some strips. The grouping of the model rats according to the assigned values to the ultrasonographic changes was consistent with the actual condition. The area under the ROC curve for distinguishing between the TGF and MSC groups was 0.972, with a sensitivity of 100.0% and a specificity of 83.3% when ultrasound assignment score was 7.5., Conclusions: High-frequency ultrasonography combined with water bath is effective for evaluating urethral stricture in rats and may give some guidance in the establishment of the urethral stricture model.

Objectives: Anterior urethral anomalies (AUA) which present as anterior urethral valve, stenosis or atresia, are a rare cause for congenital urinary tract obstruction. We present our AUA prenatal diagnosis case series., Methods: Fetuses presenting with prenatal findings suggestive for AUA according to postnatal reported clinical and imaging signs (urinary tract dilatation, dilated bladder, enlarged edematous fetal penis, dilatation of the fetal urethra and diverticula) were followed prospectively., Results: Six fetuses were diagnosed with AUA. Diagnosis was confirmed upon examination of the neonate or the abortus. All cases presented with variable degrees of urinary tract dilatation. Four fetuses who presented with additional congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) developed intra-uterine or early postnatal renal failure, while two isolated AUA cases have a normal renal outcome., Conclusions: AUA is a rare diagnosis. However, high index of suspicion and careful sonographic assessment of the male fetal urethra in cases referred for urinary tract dilatation may enable appropriate parent counseling, optimal prenatal surveillance and timed postnatal urological intervention. As in other lower urinary tract obstructions, future renal function seems to correlate with associated CAKUT, therefore close follow up throughout pregnancy and meticulous sonographic assessment is recommended., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Purpose: We sought to characterize a standardized postoperative radiographic and functional voiding trial, and determine its impact on outcomes after substitution urethroplasty., Materials and Methods: This is an observational, monocenter study of men who underwent 1-stage ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty for bulbar urethral stricture between January 2009 and December 2016. Patients were stratified by voiding trial success vs failure, including radiographic (extravasation or residual narrowness) and functional (post-void residual volume greater than 100 ml) failure, 21 days postoperatively. End points were voiding trial failure and recurrence-free survival. Regression models were created to determine risk factors of voiding trial failure and evaluate the impact of voiding trial failure on recurrence., Results: The voiding trial succeeded and failed in 437 (85.2%) and 76 (14.8%), respectively, of 513 men. Of the latter men 54 (71.1%) showed evidence of extravasation and 22 (28.9%) had residual narrowness or functional failure. On multivariable logistic regression analyses no preoperative predictor of voiding trial failure was found (all p >0.05). At a median followup of 32 months Kaplan-Meier analyses (log rank test p = 0.033) and multivariable Cox regression analyses (HR 1.86, p = 0.037) revealed an association of voiding trial failure and stricture recurrence. When further stratifying voiding trial failure, residual narrowness or functional failure (HR 4.60, p <0.001) but not extravasation (HR 1.08, p = 0.9) was a risk factor for recurrence. Limitations include the retrospective assessment of investigated end points., Conclusions: Residual narrowness or functional failure at an early voiding trial after buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty may predict stricture recurrence. Identifying intraoperative complexity factors predicting initial voiding trial failure might be a key to identifying those individuals with early recurrence.

Introduction:  Delayed presentation of posterior urethral valves (PUVs) is a rare condition. Presentation and diagnosis of the patients with late PUVs are challenging. Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is mainly practiced. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the children with late-presented PUVs, and the reliability of VCUG in this group., Materials and Methods:  Between January 2003 and December 2017 records of patients who were diagnosed with late-presented PUVs were analyzed. Delayed presentation of PUV was defined as patients who were diagnosed and treated after infancy. Cases were examined in terms of age at diagnosis, presenting symptoms, urinalysis, urinary ultrasound, urodynamic studies, VCUG, and dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy findings. Postoperative follow-up conditions were also assessed., Results:  Seventeen boys were diagnosed with late-presented PUVs (mean age was 7.35 years). The most common symptoms at presentation were frequency (58.8%), day and nighttime incontinence (47%), and febrile urinary infection (41%). PUV was noted by VCUG in 10 patients alone. The classical sign of dilated posterior urethra was detected in 9 patients. The 10th patient had posterior urethral irregularity. Urethra could not be evaluated due to unsuccessful voiding in one patient. Six patients had normally appearing urethra on VCUG. Reflux was detected in nine (52.9%) patients., Conclusion:  Late-presented PUVs may be missed on VCUG. Whether a PUV might be present is crucial in boys with a history of recurrent urinary infection, persistent reflux, and repetitive daytime incontinence. Based on our results, we conclude that cystoscopic examination should be preferred for those cases to diagnose PUVs regardless of VCUG results., Competing Interests: None., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Introduction and Objectives: Retrograde urethrogram (RUG) and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) are currently the gold standard imaging technique for diagnosis of urethral stricture and determination of stricture location. However, RUG and VCUG have multiple limitations. These techniques require exposure to ionizing radiation, the quality is operator and patient dependent, there is a moderate degree of invasiveness with urethral catheterization, can have artifacts because of patient positioning that underestimates stricture length. The development of novel imaging modalities without ionizing radiation to accurately evaluate the presence, location, length, and lumen cross-sectional area (CSA) of the urethral stricture would be of great value. The objective of this study was to develop a novel endoluminal ultrasound (ELUS) imaging technique that permits the accurate quantitation of urethral stricture., Methods: Urethral strictures were created in rabbits (n = 5) by electrocautery and an ELUS technique was developed for subsequent luminal imaging. A 3.2F 40 MHz ultrasound (US) probe was introduced transurethrally and infused with US contrast agent. Images were recorded as the catheter was pulled back at a constant speed to acquire tomographic images. Lumen CSA over the entire urethral length was calculated using a custom methodology and validated in our laboratory., Results: Urethral luminal CSA over the entire length of urethra before and after experimental stricture development was quantified including the length of stenosis. Intra- and interobserver variability (r = 0.99 for both) was excellent., Conclusions: Feasibility of ELUS as a quantitative technique to determine healthy urethral lumen and stricture CSA was demonstrated. The translational potential for a nonionizing imaging modality to better describe CSA, length, location, and uninvolved urethral CSA of the stricture is a significant improvement over current methodology.

Purpose: We evaluated the management of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture disease after urethroplasty at our institution., Materials and Methods: We performed an institution review board approved, retrospective case study of our urethroplasty database to collect stricture related and postoperative information with an emphasis on bulbar urethral stricture disease recurrence after urethroplasty between 1996 and 2012. Repair types included primary anastomotic, augmented anastomotic and onlay repair. Recurrence, which was defined as the need for intervention, was diagnosed with cystoscopy or retrograde urethrogram., Results: We identified 437 men who underwent urethroplasty of bulbar urethral stricture disease as performed by 2 surgeons from January 1996 to December 2012. Of the men 395 had available followup data. Recurrence was identified in 25 men (6.3%), of whom all presented with symptoms, including a weak stream in 23, urinary tract infection in 1 and pyelonephritis in 1. Median time to recurrence was 10 months. Recurrence was initially treated endoscopically in 23 of 25 cases (92%), dilatation in 12 and visual urethrotomy in 11. In 5 patients (22%) further recurrence developed after endoscopic treatment, which was managed by repeat urethroplasty in 2, self-calibration only in 2 and visual urethrotomy with subsequent self-calibration in 1. We identified 2 distinct phenotypes of recurrent stricture, including type A-short focal recurrence, which may be salvaged with an endoscopic procedure, and type B-the long graft length type, which is less likely to be salvaged with endoscopy., Conclusions: Recurrence after urethroplasty is most likely to develop within the first 12 months. Type A short focal recurrence may be managed by a salvage endoscopic procedure, including dilation or visual urethrotomy. These data on the phenotype of recurrence may be useful for patient treatment., (Copyright © 2018 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: We compared the results of initial buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty to the results of repeat and secondary cases of previous urethroplasty done by any technique other than buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty between January 2009 and December 2016 at a high volume center. Patients were stratified according to surgical sequence and characteristics were compared. We plotted Kaplan-Meier curves to compare stricture recurrence-free survival according to the surgical sequence. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to delineate the impact of the surgical sequence on recurrence-free survival after adjusting for known clinical and surgical confounders., Results: Of 534 men with a median followup of 33 months (IQR 17-52) 436 (81.6%), 64 (12.0%) and 34 (6.4%) underwent an initial, a repeat and a secondary procedure, respectively. Patient characteristics were comparable (each p ≥0.2). Patients with reoperative procedures had received more previous endoscopic interventions and were more often operated on by high volume surgeons (each p ≤0.021). Operative time, graft length, stricture location and surgical techniques were comparable (each p ≥0.1). The success rate of initial, repeat and secondary procedures was 87.4%, 87.5% and 70.6%, respectively. On survival analyses patients who underwent secondary procedures fared worse than those who underwent repeat or initial procedures (p = 0.010). Similarly a secondary procedure was an independent risk factor for recurrence (HR 2.42, 95% CI 1.03-5.68, p = 0.043)., Conclusions: We found excellent results for repeat anterior 1-stage buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty, comparable to those of initial procedures. Patients who underwent secondary procedures were at higher risk for recurrence. However, when performed at a specialized center, the success rate was still high., (Copyright © 2018 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Retrograde urethrograms and voiding cystourethrograms provide clinicians with important information to determine treatment options and surgical interventions for patients with urethral abnormalities. This article discusses the elements with which radiologic technologists should be familiar, including urethra anatomy, the pathology of urethral abnormalities, imaging techniques, and special considerations for preoperative and postoperative patients., (©2018 American Society of Radiologic Technologists.)

Purpose: In this study we aimed to define the prevalence of preoperative and postoperative post-micturition incontinence or post-void dribbling after anterior urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease. We also sought to determine risk factors for its presence., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained, multi-institutional urethral stricture database to evaluate post-micturition incontinence using a single question from a validated questionnaire, "How often have you had a slight wetting of your pants a few minutes after you had finished urinating and had dressed yourself?" Possible answers were never-0 to all the time-3. The presence of post-micturition incontinence was defined as any answer greater than 0. Comparisons were made to stricture type and location, repair type and patient medical comorbidities., Results: Preoperative and postoperative post-micturition incontinence questionnaires were completed by 614 and 331 patients, respectively. Patients without complete data available were excluded from study. Preoperative post-micturition incontinence was present in 73% of patients, of whom 44% stated that this symptom was present most of the time. Overall postoperative post-micturition incontinence was present in 40% of patients and again it was not predicted by stricture location or urethroplasty type. Of the 331 patients with followup questionnaires 60% reported improvement, 32% reported no change and 8% reported worsening symptoms. The overall rate of de novo post-micturition incontinence was low at 6.3%., Conclusions: The prevalence of preoperative post-micturition incontinence is high and likely under reported. In most patients post-micturition incontinence improves after urethroplasty and the prevalence of de novo post-micturition incontinence is low. The presence of post-micturition incontinence was not predicted by stricture length or location, or urethroplasty repair type., (Copyright © 2018 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Dilatations of the urinary tract are discovered in increasing numbers in intrauterine or postnatal sonographic screening examinations. Only few urinary tract anomalies (e. g. urethral valves) require immediate therapy; however, ureteropelvic stenosis and primary megaureter in particular require a prognostic classification between relevant obstructions needing correction and dilations which do not affect renal function. Ultrasound, diuresis scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remain the main pillars of advanced diagnostics despite an increasing number of biomarkers. The prevention of progressive renal parenchymal damage is the main focus of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, while avoiding unnecessary or unnecessarily stressful interventions.

Objective: To develop an experimental model of anterior urethral stricture in rabbits using a bleomycin (BLM) injection technique., Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups. In group 1 (BLM group), BLM was injected into the urethral submucosal tissue every other day through a catheter for 6 weeks at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-o'clock positions of the urethra in 12 rabbits. In group 2 (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS] group), PBS was injected instead of BLM in 6 rabbits. In group 3 (stricture control group), an 8 × 20 mm urethral defect was created in 6 rabbits. In group 4 (normal group), 6 normal rabbits were included. All rabbits in the PBS group and stricture control group, as well as 6 rabbits in the BLM group, were sacrificed at 6 weeks. The remaining 6 rabbits in the BLM group were sacrificed at 10 weeks. Urethrography was performed in all rabbits before sacrifice, and the urethra was harvested for histologic analysis., Results: All rabbits in the BLM group showed mild urethral stricture at 4 weeks and significant urethral stricture at 6 weeks, without spontaneous resolution of the stricture at 10 weeks. No urethral stricture was observed in the PBS group at 4 and 6 weeks. Histologic examination confirmed the presence of fibrosis in the BLM group without spontaneous improvement., Conclusion: BLM injection can induce an experimental model of anterior urethral stricture in rabbits. This simple, highly efficient, reproducible method can be carried out in any laboratory., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Although improvements in urological function have been less challenged, concern about andrological problems following urethral stricture surgeries has been growing in recent years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of the anastomotic urethroplasty itself on erectile function in patients with posterior urethral injuries., Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, patients with urethral strictures referring to Tajrish Hospital during October 2013 to August 2016 for anastomotic urethroplasty, were included. All subjects underwent radiologic studies along with rigid and flexible cystoscopy before surgery. Erectile function was evaluated before surgery (twice, addressing pre-traumatic and pre-operational conditions) and after surgery (3 and 6 months post-operatively) via IIEF-5 erectile function questionnaire and color Doppler ultrasound assessment of penilevasculature., Results: A total of 65 patients with an average age of 30.6 ± 6.1 years were included. A significant decline was observed in erectile function of patients after the injury based on IIEF-5 questionnaire filled twice separately addressing patient conditions before and after trauma (mean IIEF score 23.15 ± 0.93 to 13.45 ± 5.43, P = .001).There was also a significant difference in erectile function of subjects with pelvic fractures compared to those without pelvic fractures (10.43 ± 3.78 vs. 18.96 ± 3.18 P = .001). Univariate and multivariate analyses showedthat urethroplasty itself does not significantly affect erectile function in patients according to penile color Doppler ultrasonography (peak cystolic velocity at cavernosal arteries before and after surgery: right 26.87 ± 6.93 vs26.16 ± 6.53 respectively and left 27.23 ± 5.21 vs 26.52 ± 4.38 respectively) and IIEF-5 erectile function questionnaire (13.12 ± 5.38 vs. 13.54 ± 5.44; P = .26)., Conclusion: The results of this study showed that urethroplasty does not significantly affect erectile function in patients with urethral strictures. The marginal results showing a negatively affected erectile function in patientswith complex strictures may be attributed to a real impact of the surgery in this subgroup or lower number of these cases in our study.

Background: Female urethral stricture is a rare condition. Different types of urethroplasty have been described. However, high quality studies are sparse. The most common technique used-the Blandy's technique-has resulted in our cases in a retrusive meatus and an inward urinary stream., Objective: To show the efficacy and safety of an alternative vaginal wall flap urethroplasty., Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken in a single University Hospital. Nine female patients previously diagnosed with urethral stricture at our institution underwent open surgery from 1993 to 2015. They were contacted and agreed to undergo a medical examination., Surgical Procedure: A ventral lateral-based anterior vaginal wall flap urethroplasty inspired by the Orandi technique for male urethroplasty was performed., Measurements: A chart review was performed., Results and Limitations: The mean age was 56 yr (41-78 yr). The mean follow-up was 80.7 mo (12-198). All patients had relief of symptoms. The meatus of all patients stayed in an orthotopic position without any impact on the direction of the urinary stream. The average caliber of the urethra increased from 10.8 Fr (6-18 Fr) to ≥20 Fr. Peak flow improved from a mean of 6.8ml/s (3-11ml/s) to 21ml/s (14-35ml/s). No patient developed stricture recurrence or de novo stress urinary incontinence. There were no other immediate or delayed complications. All patients achieved a better score on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire., Conclusions: Our study, with the same limitations that the few studies published in this field had, that is the few patients included, demonstrates that lateral anterior vaginal wall flap urethroplasty is an effective technique, offering durable results without apparent complications., Patient Summary: We studied an alternative surgical technique for the treatment of female urethral stricture. We conclude that it is safe and effective with no apparent complications and good long-term results., (Copyright © 2016 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study aims to investigate the effect of non-transecting anastomotic urethroplasty for treatment of posterior urethral stricture. A total of 23 patients with traumatic posterior urethral stricture were enrolled and then divided into two groups. In one group, 12 patients underwent non-transecting anastomotic urethroplasty. In the other group, 11 patients underwent conventional posterior urethra end-to-end anastomosis. The effect of operation was evaluated using the following parameters: the bleeding amount during operation, operation time, IIEF-5 scores after operation, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and rating scale of quality of life (QoL). The comparison between the conventional posterior urethra end-to-end anastomosis group and the non-transecting anastomotic urethroplasty group showed no significant difference with regard to average operation time. However, a significant difference was observed between the groups with regard to the bleeding amount during operation. The patients in the group of non-transecting anastomotic urethroplasty urinated smoothly after the removal of catheter. Meanwhile, one patient from the group of conventional posterior urethra end-to-end anastomosis had difficulty urinating after the removal of catheter. Furthermore, significant differences in the operation time, bleeding amount during operation, IIEF-5 scores after operation, and rating scale of QoL were observed, whereas no significant difference was observed between urine flow rates of the two groups after operation. Overall, nontransecting anastomotic urethroplasty is effective for posterior urethra reconstruction, and it can reduce the occurrence rate of erectile dysfunction after operation.

We report a case of pelvic fracture urethral injury reconstructed by anastomotic urethroplasty. A 24-year-old male was referred to our hospital because of pelvic trauma accompanying ischial fracture. Retrograde urethrography showed urethral disruption and suprapubic catheter was inserted. One week later, we underwent endoscopic realignment. Three months later, we removed the Foley balloon catheter after we had checked that there was no stricture by the voiding cystourethrogram. However, 5 days after that, he came to our hospital because of urinary retention. Cystoscopy detected urinary stricture between bulbar and membranous urethra. We decided to do deferred urethroplasty. Five months after that we performed anastomotic urethroplasty. He was discharged 31 days after the operation. No stricture has been detected for 7 months postoperatively.

Background/Aims/Objectives: To report the outcome of staged urethroplasty with buccal mucosa and vascularised scrotal flap after failed hypospadias surgery., Methods: n = 35., Inclusion Criteria: destroyed urethral plate, deficient local skin, fistula and penile deviation. Five out of 35 patients also had a secondary proximal stricture. Stage 1: excision of scarred tissue and fistulae, correction of the penile deviation through dorsal plication and the ventral placement and quilting of buccal graft. Stage 2: tubularisation of the neourethral plate; in 20 patients with deficient penile skin a vascularised scrotal flap was developed and transferred on the tubularised urethra. In 5 patients, the proximal stricture was repaired during a separate operation by using buccal graft, the distal urethra was marsupialised. The repair of the distal urethra was performed later as described above., Results: Thirty-three patients are recurrence-free without further interventions; successful reoperation was done in 2 cases., Complications: 1 graft necrosis; 1 coronary fistula; 1 scrotal flap necrosis and 1 case of hematoma., Conclusions: Complicated strictures after multiple failed hypospadias repair are well managed by using buccal graft. The vascularised scrotal flap is a very useful tool in case of deficient and scarred penile skin and could explain the low rate of fistula formation in our series., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Purpose: Subjective measures of success after urethroplasty have become increasingly valuable in postoperative monitoring. We examined patient reported satisfaction following anterior urethroplasty using objective measures as a proxy for success., Materials and Methods: Men 18 years old or older with urethral strictures undergoing urethroplasty were prospectively enrolled in a longitudinal, multi-institutional urethroplasty outcomes database. Preoperative and postoperative assessment included questionnaires to assess lower urinary tract symptoms, pain, satisfaction and sexual health. Analyses controlling for stricture recurrence (defined as the inability to traverse the reconstructed urethra with a flexible cystoscope) were performed to determine independent predictors of dissatisfaction., Results: At a mean followup of 14 months we found a high 89.4% rate of overall postoperative satisfaction in 433 patients and a high 82.8% rate in those who would have chosen the operation again. Men with cystoscopic recurrence were more likely to report dissatisfaction (OR 4.96, 95% CI 2.07-11.90) and men reporting dissatisfaction had significantly worse uroflowmetry measures (each p <0.02). When controlling for recurrence, multivariate analysis revealed that urethra and bladder pain (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.05-2.77 and OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.12-6.69, respectively), a postoperative decrease in sexual activity (OR 4.36, 95% CI 2.07-11.90) and persistent lower urinary tract symptoms (eg straining to urinate OR 3.23, 1.74-6.01) were independent predictors of dissatisfaction., Conclusions: Overall satisfaction after anterior urethroplasty is high and traditional measures of surgical success strongly correlate with satisfaction. However, independently of the anatomical appearance of the reconstructed urethra, postoperative pain, sexual dysfunction and persistent lower urinary tract symptoms were predictors of patient dissatisfaction., (Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Diagnosing urethral pathology can prove difficult, as clinically, the presentation is often nonspecific and may be suggestive of multiple etiologies. Therefore, detailed and accurate urethral imaging in both males and females is critical. Since the early 1900s, conventional imaging studies including RUG and VCUG, with adjunct cystourethroscopy, have remained the gold standard diagnostic techniques to evaluate urethral pathology. However, limitations of conventional imaging have generated interest in finding alternative imaging modalities with comparable, if not superior, diagnostic accuracy, the goal being a more complete assessment of urethral pathology and anatomy that would allow for appropriate surgical planning. Imaging modalities with three-dimensional (3D) capabilities may provide more comprehensive information regarding urethral diseases through a more detailed illustration of periurethral soft tissue structures. Whether or not these imaging modalities will replace conventional studies is unclear, though there is an increasing body of literature that support their use.

Objective: To describe the technique of ultrasound urethrogram (USUG) for the diagnosis of anterior urethral stricture performed in an ambulatory setting without any adjunctive imaging., Materials and Methods: Between September 2013 and September 2015, 35 consecutive adult men (>18 years old) presenting for anterior urethral reconstruction underwent outpatient USUG prior to definitive management. No alternative imaging test was performed. Lengths of the strictures as determined by outpatient USUG and via direct intraoperative measurements were compared by a paired t test., Results: Strictures were in the bulbar urethra in 24 men and in the penile urethra in 11 men. The differences between the outpatient USUG length measurements (mean = 1.86 cm) and the intraoperative stricture length measurements (mean = 2.02 cm) were not significantly different (P = .10). Additionally, the correlation coefficient between these length measurements was 0.84 (P < .001)., Conclusion: Preoperative USUG performed in the ambulatory setting for the diagnosis and characterization of anterior urethral strictures is safe and feasible. This outpatient imaging modality offers an alternative to retrograde urethrogram., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Aim: To evaluate the long term outcomes of temporary urethral stent placement for the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture., Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients who underwent temporary polymer coated urethral stent placement due to recurrent bulbar urethral stricture between 2010 and 2014 were enrolled in the study. The long term outcomes of the patients were analyzed., Results: The mean age of the patients was 62.3±6.4 (44-81). The overall clinical success was achieved in 18 (64.2%) of the 28 patients at a median (range) follow-up of 29 (7-46) months. No patient reported discomfort at the stent site. Stone formation was observed at the urethral stent implantation area only in one patient. Stenosis occurred in the distal end of the stents in two patients and took place in bulbar urethra in seven patients after removed the stents. The mean maximum urine flow rates were 6.24±2.81mL/sec and 19.12±4.31mL/sec before and at 3 months after the procedure, respectively., Conclusion: In this study, the success rate of temporary urethral stent placement has remained at 64.2% at a median follow-up of 29 months. Therefore, our outcomes have not achieved desired success rate for the standard treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral stricture.

We report the case of a fetus with severe megabladder, displaying the 'keyhole' sign on ultrasound imaging, that underwent cystoscopy at 22 weeks' gestation. There was a familial history of mild urethral atresia. Fetal cystoscopy revealed congenital urethral atresia. A guide wire was advanced through the fetal urethra and a transurethral vesicoamniotic stent was placed successfully. The fetus was delivered at 36 weeks' gestation and postnatal cystoscopy confirmed the absence of posterior urethral valves or urethral atresia. The infant was 5 years old with normal renal function at the time of writing. We conclude that fetal cystoscopic placement of a transurethral stent for congenital urethral stenosis is feasible., (Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To compare the accuracy of retrograde urethrogram (RUG) interpretation between the primary physician performing the procedure and the independent physician interpreting the films to evaluate the suitability of relying on independent physician interpretations for the purposes of preoperative urethral stricture surgery planning., Methods: A retrospective review was performed on a cohort of 397 patients undergoing anterior urethroplasty over a 7-year period at a single center. Preoperative RUG findings as reported at the time by both the urologist performing the urethrography and the independent interpreter (radiologist) were abstracted and compared with stricture location and length as measured intraoperatively. RUG adequacy was defined as a comment on the presence, location, and length of the urethral stricture., Results: Only 49% of independently reported RUG studies were deemed adequate, and 87% of independently reported studies correctly diagnosed the presence of a stricture. Forty-nine percent of independently reported studies correctly identified stricture location compared with 96% of primary physician-reported cases (P <.001). The reported stricture lengths were 3.23 ± 2.25, 4.19 ± 2.49, and 4.51 ± 2.65 cm for the independently reported RUGs, primary physician-reported RUGs, and the intraoperative measurements, respectively. Differences between all the groups were statistically significant (P <.001). Independently reported length had a 0.47 R(2) coefficient of correlation to the intraoperative length (P <.001) compared with a 0.93 R(2) coefficient of correlation between primary physician-reported length and intraoperative length (P <.001)., Conclusion: Independently reported RUGs are not as accurate as primary physician-reported RUGs, and caution should be used when they are used for preoperative planning., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To test if virtual endoscopy (VE) enabled by 3-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) scanner with supporting software allows for practical clinical interrogation and evaluation of the urethral lumen and anatomy in an animal model., Methods: Assessment of urethral anatomy and repair results was performed in 18 male beagles using conventional retrograde urethrography, CT-assisted retrograde urethography, and voiding urethrocystography. The image slices from these studies were processed using TeraRecon software to create a virtual representation of the urethra and compared with conventional urethrography and postmortem analysis of retrieved urethras for diagnostic assessment and correlation., Results: CT-assisted VE showed the orientation, size, and gross morphology of urethral anatomy, including the lesions in all the 18 animals studied. The VE showed patent urethra in 12 dogs, stenosed urethra in 3 dogs, urethral diverticulum with stricture in 2 animals, and fistula in one. These findings correlated with those of conventional diagnostic methods. The findings of the voiding and retrograde virtual urethrocystoscopy studies were also comparable., Conclusion: These results demonstrate that CT-assisted VE is able to identify the anatomic landmarks in an animal model. This allows for detection of the site of different pathologies and their relations to important structures such as urethral sphincters and the bladder neck. Digital imaging might be used to identify urethral pathologies with greater details and characterization of the lesions when compared with the conventional urethrocystography., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aims at evaluating factors predicting recurrence of urethral stricture following urethroplasty in pediatric patients at a tertiary care center., Patients and Methods: Fifty-two patients of up to 18 years of age, who underwent urethroplasty, were reviewed. Duration of symptoms, etiology, previous intervention, and site of stricture, surgical modality, stricture length, and spongiofibrosis at stricture site, recurrence, and ancillary procedures required were recorded., Results: Forty-two (82.76%) patients (Group I) had recurrence-free course on follow-up. Of the 10 patients with recurrence (Group II), 9 had PTS and 1 had IS (p = 0.04). Most of the factors evaluated did not differ statistically between the groups; however, length of stricture (1.8 vs. 4.3 cm, p < 0.001) and degree of spongiofibrosis (61% vs. 90%, p = 0.003) were significantly different. Seven patients with recurrence were managed with single procedures, but three required multiple procedures because of multiple recurrences. History of incision and drainage for paraurethral abscess was significantly higher (28.6% vs. 100%, p = 0.002) in patients who had multiple recurrences., Conclusions: Etiology, fibrosis at local site, and stricture length have significant impact on recurrence of pediatric urethral stricture disease. Associated paraurethral abscess may further compromise the outcome of urethroplasty., (Copyright © 2013 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is needed to ascertain the upper end of urethral stricture. Occasionally, a patient is unable to open the bladder neck with resultant failure of the test. Realizing the strong and prompt alpha antagonistic action of silodosin, we evaluated single 8 mg dose as a pharmacological adjunct prior to VCUG to overcome this problem.

Posterior urethral injuries typically arise in the context of a pelvic fracture.The correct and appropriate initial treatment of associated urethral rupture is critical to the proper healing of the injury. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature with special emphasis on the various treatments available: open or endoscopic primary realignment, immediate or delayed urethroplasty after suprapubic cystostomy, and delayed optical urethrotomy.

In a 1.5-year-old male hunting dog, a urethral defect distal to the pelvic flexure and the resulting urethral fistula were treated with a mucosal graft and a transurethral catheter. Six months postoperatively a stricture of the urethra occurred. Following balloon dilatation, urination was normal. One month after dilatation, urethral narrowing relapsed and was treated using a combination of balloon dilatation and urethral stent implantation. Ten months following stent implantation the dog continued to show normal urination, although a deformation of the proximal part of the stent was diagnosed radiographically. During the 1-year follow-up no additional complications were observed. In the future, urethral stents may replace surgical resection of the narrowed urethral region and re-anastomosis of the urethra.

Objective: To evaluate the use of holmium:YAG laser for posterior urethral valve (PUV) fulguration and compare with electro-fulguration., Methods: Forty boys underwent primary fulguration of PUV using 20-25 W holmium laser (Group 1) from January 2009 to December 2011. Data of last 40 boys (retrospective cohort: January 2005 to December 2008) who underwent electro-fulguration (Group 2) for PUV were compared with group 1. Ultrasonography was done at 2 weeks and 3 months and voiding cystourethrography at 3 and 6 months respectively after fulguration and as needed thereafter. DTPA scan and urodynamic study were performed during follow-up in select patients, as required., Results: Pre-operative parameters were comparable between groups. Improvement in voiding occurred in 38 and 34 boys in group 1 and 2, respectively. Hydroureteronephrosis and vesico-ureteric reflux resolved in 53% and 60% in group 1 and 51% and 53% in group 2, respectively. Boys in group 1 had statistically significant greater success in voiding after catheter removal (40 vs 32), shorter period of catheterization (1 vs 1.8 days), lower mean operative time (15 vs 20 min), needed re-fulguration less commonly (2 vs 6), and were less likely to develop urethral stricture (0 vs 2) and urinary incontinence (0 vs 1)., Conclusion: PUV fulguration using holmium:YAG laser is a feasible, safe and effective alternative for endoscopic transurethral ablation with similar success, and appears to have fewer complications than electro-fulguration., (Copyright © 2013 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Purpose: Different techniques have been used for the treatment of patients with anastomotic stenosis after radical prostatectomy (RP). In this retrospective study, we analyzed our experience with urethral dilation and consecutive transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided injections of long-acting steroids in the scar area., Patients and Methods: We reviewed the records of patients who underwent RP in our department from 2002 to 2010 and presented to the outpatient clinics with symptomatic anastomotic stenosis. Patients were treated with: Urethral dilation, cold knife (CK) urethrotomy, transurethral resection (TUR) of stenosis and dilation/resection of the strictures with consecutive TRUS-guided injection of a long-acting steroid (dilation+TRUS-steroids). Patients remained under follow-up, which included the assessment of voiding and continence patterns, as well as cystourethroscopy., Results: In 32 (10.8%) patients, symptomatic anastomotic stenosis was diagnosed. Initial urethral dilation succeeded in only 3 (10.3%) patients; thus, 29 remained with recurrent/resistant stenosis. Urethral dilation+TRUS-steroids was performed in 14 patients, while 8 patients underwent CK and in 7 TUR was performed. Patients in the dilation+TRUS-steroids group had lower re-treatment rates, and none of these patients became incontinent. Patients in the TUR group needed no re-treatment; however, they had the highest incontinence rate (57.1%). As a result, the highest efficiency quotient was in the dilation+TRUS-steroids with the lowest in the TUR group., Conclusion: Urethral dilation with consecutive TRUS-guided injections of steroids has the highest efficiency quotient and can be performed under local anesthesia with a low risk of incontinence.

Urethral injures, pelvic trauma, and certain congential abnormalities in male can often cause urethral strictures and scarring. Adequate and accurate imaging diagnosis of urethral strictures is critial to select a surgical approach. Although urethrography is commonly used in evaluating male urethral injury and strictures, its limitation is that the contrast offers images only at the urethral lumen but not of the periurethral structures. Sonourethrography (SUG) has the ability to define the periurethral tissues and without the radiation exposure, the degree of periurethral fibrosis can be shown with a view to guiding surgery especially in bulbar urethra. Computed tomography (CT) urethrography has the advantage of examining patients only in one position, and by generating three-dimensional images; it can accurately measure the stricture length. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide useful information in certain clinical situations, particularly posterior urethral trauma and in the evaluation of the periurethral soft tissues. However, both CT and MRI are relative high cost. The selection of imaging methods should depend on the etiology, sites, patient's general condition and the type of urethral injury, using a rational combination of different imaging methods can improve the accuracy of diagnosis for traumatic urethral strictures.

Objective: To assess the impact of urethral ultrasonography on decision-making in complex anterior urethral reconstructions., Patients and Methods: This was an institutional review board approved retrospective review of 500 patients receiving anterior urethroplasty from 1985 to 2007. In all, 232 patients met the inclusion criteria of documented preoperative clinical assessment, retrograde urethrogram (RUG), urethral ultrasonogram, and measured operative stricture length and dimensions. At the time of surgery, intraoperative urethral ultrasonography was performed. A preoperative planned reconstructive approach was compared with the reconstructive procedure performed to determine how often urethral ultrasonography impacted operative decision-making., Results: Of the 232 patients in our review, 115 (50%), 88 (38%) and 16 (7%) received respectively anastomotic, buccal mucosa graft and fasciocutaneous flap urethroplasties. Intraoperative ultrasonography changed surgical approach in 44 patients (19%), and was integral in deciding between two equally possible approaches in an additional 61 patients (26%). In patients whose approach was changed from anastomotic urethroplasty to an onlay urethroplasty, mean RUG length was 2.0 cm while mean ultrasound length was significantly longer at 3.4 cm (P= 0.02). When the surgical approach was changed from an onlay urethroplasty to an anastomotic urethroplasty, mean RUG length was 2.7 cm compared with a significantly shorter intraoperative ultrasonography length of 1.9 cm (P < 0.005)., Conclusions: Ultrasonography of the anterior urethra directly influenced our reconstructive operative approach in 45% of patients. It is a simple, reliable procedure that adds valuable clinical insight and objective radiographic data to help select the optimal anterior urethral reconstructive approach., (© 2011 BJU INTERNATIONAL. NO CLAIM TO ORIGINAL US GOVERNMENT WORKS.)

Introduction: To describe our minimally invasive hybrid technique for treating pan-anterior urethral stricture., Patients and Methods: From February 2009 through November 2011, 12 patients with pan-anterior urethral stricture were operated on in our unit. The bulbospongiosus muscle was mobilized on one side, and a 2.5-cm dorsolateral bulbar urethrotomy was made. A full-thickness cold knife optical internal urethrotomy was made to reach the corpus cavernosum as graft bed. A 14- to 16-cm-long, 15- to 16-mm-wide buccal/lingual mucosa graft was harvested and sutured dorsally at the site of urethrotomy, and then distally at the meatus along with meatoplasty., Results: The mean operating time was 91.66 min. The average hospital stay was 2.4 days. The Foley catheter was removed after 3 weeks. The mean Q(max) preoperatively and postoperatively was 5.5 ± 1.87 and 18.83 ± 2.04 ml/s, respectively. Our mean follow-up was 18.5 ± 6.92 (6-32) months., Conclusions: Our hybrid technique provides good short-term results while promoting minimal urethral mobilization and graft vascularity., (Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of sonourethrography (SUG) in combination with voiding pattern analysis to determine success after oral mucosa graft (OMG) urethroplasty. OMG urethroplasty is a standard treatment for men with recurrent urethral stricture. Because of its performance, the optimum follow-up algorithm remains controversial., Material and Methods: Forty-nine patients (mean age 51 years) who underwent OMG urethroplasty were retrospectively identified. All men were subjected to a validated voiding questionnaire (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]), SUG, uroflowmetry, and residual urine measurement. The predictive value was analyzed with regard to stricture recurrence or patency as well as to urethral diameter. Retrograde urethrography was done to confirm the diagnosis., Results: Strictures were bulbar in 39, penile in 4, and combined in 6 patients. Mean stricture length was 3.8 cm (range 1-10). Mean follow-up after surgery was 35 (range 15-70) months. SUG showed a mean diameter of 7.6 mm for bulbar grafts and 4.6 mm for penile grafts. Stricture recurrence was seen in 4 (8%) patients, yielding a significantly lower urethral width of 2.3 mm (P<.005). Retrograde urethrography confirmed the patency status in all. The average maximum flow rate after successful repair was 36.6 mL/s, whereas those with recurrent strictures showed rates of 11.2 (P<.03). Similar results were achieved for residual urine (P<.05). IPSS values increased from 5.1 to 12.5 in patients with recurrence (P<.01)., Conclusion: An algorithm consisting of SUG, uroflowmetry, residual urine and IPSS assessment reliably identifies stricture recurrence. Routine retrograde urethrography may therefore be unnecessary in the follow-up of OMG urethroplasty., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of metallic stent placement and the formation of granulation tissue caused by stent placement in a rat urethral model., Materials and Methods: A bare self-expanding metallic stent was inserted in the urethra under fluoroscopic guidance in 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Ten rats were euthanized at 4 weeks (group A), and the other 10 were euthanized at 8 weeks after stent placement (group B). Stenosis diameter, number of epithelial layers, degree of inflammatory cell infiltration, thickness of submucosal fibrosis, and percentage of granulation tissue area were assessed., Results: Stent placement was technically successful in all rats. Urethrograms showed perforation in three rats, partial migration in three, and stone formation in four. Granulation tissue formation was observed in all rats at the stent-implanted urethra, and the average percentage of granulation tissue area accounted for 41% and 45% of the original urethral lumen area in groups A and B, respectively. Urethrograms and urethral specimens showed significantly less stenosis diameter, less thickness of submucosal fibrosis, and lower percentage of granulation tissue area in the proximal urethra than in the distal urethra in both groups (P < .05). Histologic results demonstrated significantly fewer epithelial layers in group B compared with group A (P = .028)., Conclusions: Placement of a self-expandable metallic stent proved to be feasible in the rat urethra and an efficient approach to stimulate granulation tissue formation as a potential model for reproducing the mechanisms of restenosis., (Copyright © 2010 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

There are numerous procedures available for surgical management of a urethral stricture. Establishing the correct indication for performing a specific surgical method requires a great deal of experience. Nonetheless, postoperative complications are never avoidable. Secondary intervention after an unsuccessful primary operation poses particular challenges to the surgeon. This article provides an overview of the open surgical techniques currently employed. It also highlights factors that should be considered to minimize postoperative complications. The concluding discussion describes the individual surgical procedures suitable for revision surgery depending on the previous approach.

Purpose: To report the complications of transverse distal penile island flap urethroplasty for urethral reconstruction in adult patients with long/multiple segments anterior urethral stricture., Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 55 patients with complex anterior urethral stricture to study complications of transverse distal penile island flap urethroplasty in two teaching hospitals between June 2002 and December 2008. Pre-, intra- and postoperative information were collected on a pro forma to generate data, which was analyzed., Results: The patient's mean age was 43.83 years (range, 19 to 73 years). The leading etiology of the stricture was urethral inflammation (76.4%) with the commonest complication being infection: wound infection in 9.1%, urosepsis in 3.6%, and epididymo-orchitis in 1.8% of the subjects., Conclusion: Transverse distal penile island flap urethroplasty has a remarkable outcome in treatment of a long/multiple segment urethral stricture with few manageable complications.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of tunica albuginea urethroplasty (TAU) for anterior urethral strictures., Methods: We assessed 206 patients with anterior urethral strictures who underwent TAU. The procedure involves mobilization of strictured urethra and laying it open with a dorsal slit. Edges of the slit-open urethra are sutured to edges of the urethral groove with a silicon catheter in situ. Thus in neourethra, the roof is formed by tunica albuginea of the urethral groove. Results were assessed at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months by comparative analysis of patient satisfaction along with retrograde urethrogram, urethrosonogram, uroflowmetry, and were categorized as good, fair and poor. Good and fair results were considered as successful. Thirty patients were taken for postoperative urethroscopic analysis to allow better understanding of both successful and failed cases., Results: Postoperative evaluation at 6 months showed a 96.6% success rate, which decreased to 94.7% at 1 year, 93.2% at 2 years and over 90% at the end of 3 years. The overall failure rate was 9.2%, which required revision surgery. Urethroscopic visualization of the reconstruction site showed wide, patent and distensible neourethra uniformly lined by urothelium over roof formed by tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa in successful cases. Failure cases showed diffuse fibrotic narrowing or circumferential scarring., Conclusion: Tunica albuginea is a locally available distensible tissue, sufficient to maintain the patency of the neourethra, without any graft or flap. TAU is easier and useful when patients have unhealthy oral mucosa due to tobacco chewing.

Pericatheter urethrogram (PUG) has been found to be a useful assessment tool after endoscopic urethral realignment or open urethroplasty prior to removal of the urethral catheter. Very little is known in the English literatures of the procedure of PUG in the evaluation of the urethra post-operatively. We aim to describe our technique of PUG and its usefulness in the evaluation of the urethra. We reviewed 22 patients who underwent PUG after endoscopic urethral realignment or urethroplasty over an 18 month period in our institution. The indications, procedure and success of PUG were noted. The radiological findings were also documented. The mean age of the patient was 31.9 years. Seventeen (77.3%) and 5 (22.7%) patients had PUG at least 3 weeks after endoscopic realignment of the urethra and urethroplasty for urethral strictures respectively. PUG was successful in all the patients and no complication arising from the procedure was recorded. The radiographs showed satisfactory urethral healing in 15 (68.2%), urethral stenosis in 2 (9.1%), contrast media extravasations in 8 (36.4%). We concluded that PUG allows for adequate urethral assessment and healing before the indwelling catheter is removed.

Aim: To analyze uroflow findings in older boys with tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty (TIPU)., Materials and Methods: 79 toilet-trained patients who had TIPU were evaluated by studying their voiding history, a physical examination, suprapubic ultrasound and uroflowmetry, both pre- and postoperatively. The obstructive urinary flow pattern (OUFP) was accepted as low maximum urinary flow rate with plateau, staccato or intermittent shape., Results: The mean age was 7 years (range 5-11). The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 6-36). Of the 79 patients, 70 recovered. A permanent OUFP was found in 10 of 63 patients, as follows: 7 were detected in the 6th month after operation, and 1 each in the 9th, 18th and 36th months.Ten patients had no voiding abnormality and significant residual urine. The mean interval from initial surgery to presentation with an OUFP was 10.5 months., Conclusions: An occult urethral obstruction develops in some asymptomatic children with TIPU and commonly occurres in the first year after operation., ((c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.)