Management of penile urethral strictures: Challenges and future directions

The anatomy of the penile urethra presents additional challenges when compared to other urethral segments during open stricture surgery particularly because of its unsuitability for excision and primary anastomosis and its relatively deficient corpus spongiosum. Stricture aetiology, location, length and previous surgical intervention remain the primary factors influencing the choice of penile urethroplasty technique. We have identified what we feel are the most important challenges and controversies in penile urethral stricture reconstruction, namely the use of flaps vs grafts, use of skin or oral mucosal tissue for augmentation/substitution and when a single or a staged approach is indicated to give the best possible outcome. The management of more complex cases such as panurethral lichen-sclerosus strictures and hypospadias "cripples" is outlined and potential developments for the future are presented.

Analysis of the urethral stricture score and patient-related factors as predictors of outcomes following oral mucosal graft urethroplasty

Objective:The complexity of urethral strictures can predict outcomes following urethroplasty.The previously described urethral stricture score(U score)considered only stricture-related factors to grade the complexity of urethral strictures and to predict recurrence post urethroplasty,but not considered patient-related factors for the same.We aimed to study the correlation of both of these factors to the outcomes of oral mucosal graft urethroplasty.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed data of 101 patients who underwent oral mucosal graft urethroplasty in our institute with a minimum follow-up of 6 months.Baseline patient characteristics and stricture-related parameters were noted.The U score was calculated for all patients which consisted of the length,location,number,and etiology of stricture.Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to determine significant risk factors of recurrence.Results:The mean follow-up of patients was 15 months.Recurrence was seen in 28 patients and the mean time for detection of recurrence was 8 months of follow-up.The Charlson Comorbidity Index,history of previous intervention,length of strictures,location of strictures,number of strictures,history of smoking,and etiology were independent predictors of recurrence following urethroplasty.Based on these parameters,we formulated the modified U score(MU score).The scores ranged from 0 to 6 and a score of>2 was found to be predictive of recurrence.On comparing receiver operating characteristic curves for both scores by the DeLong test,the MU score had larger area under the curve than the U score.Conclusion:The MU scoring system is the first of its kind attempt taking into consideration both patient-and stricture-related factors to predict recurrence following oral mucosal graft urethroplasty.

Prospective randomized study correlating intra-operative urethral mucosal injury with early period after transurethral resection of the prostate stricture urethra: A novel concept

Objective:To investigate the incidence of urethral stricture during the early period after transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP)and correlate its incidence with intra-operative urethral mucosal injury during TURP.Also to compare the other established risk factors affecting the development of urethral stricture among patients undergoing monopolar or bipolar TURP over a period of 6 months follow-up as the prospective randomized study.Methods:One hundred and fifty men older than 50 years with lower-urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomized to undergo either standard monopolar TURP with glycine as the irrigation fluid or bipolar TURP with normal saline as irrigant.The prostate size,operative time,intra-operative mucosal rupture,catheter time,catheter traction duration,uroflowmetry,and post-operative stricture rate were compared.Results:A total of 150 patients underwent TURP,including 74 patients undergoing monopolar TURP(one patient was excluded as his post-operative histopathological examination report was of adenocarcinoma prostate)and 75 patients undergoing bipolar-TURP,all of which were performed using a 26 Fr sheath resectoscope.The mean International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum urinary flow rate score at post-operative 3 months and 6 months were comparable between the groups.Out of 149 patients,nine patients(6.0%)developed urethral stricture.The severity of the injury(urethral mucosal injury)correlated with the likelihood of developing a subsequent complication(stricture urethra).Patients with stricture had significantly larger prostate volume than patients without stricture(65.0 mL vs.50.0 mL;p=0.030).Patients with stricture had longer operative time than patients without stricture(55.0 min vs.40.0 min;p=0.002).In both procedures,formation of post-operative stricture urethra was independently associated with intra-operative mucosal injury.Conclusion:Intra-operative recognition of urethral mucosal injury helps in prediction of stricture urethra formation in early post-operative period.

Management of urethral strictures and stenosis caused by the endo-urological treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasiad-a single-center experience

Objective:Urethral stricture disease after endo-urological treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)is a sparsely described complication.We describe management of five categories of these strictures in this retrospective observational case series.Methods:One hundred and twenty-one patients presenting with symptoms of bladder outflow obstruction after endo-urological intervention for BPH from February 2016 to March 2019 were evaluated.Among them,76 were eligible for this study and underwent reconstructive surgery.Preoperative and postoperative assessments were done with symptom scores,uroflowmetry,ultrasound for post-void residue,and urethrogram.Any intervention during follow-up was classed as a failure.The recurrence and 95%confidence interval for recurrence percentage were calculated.Results:The following five categories of patients were identified:Bulbo-membranous(33[43.4%]),navicular fossa(21[27.6%]),penile/peno-bulbar(8[10.5%]),bladder neck stenosis(6[7.9%]),and multiple locations(8[10.5%]).The average age was 69 years(range:60-84 years).Overall average symptom score,flow rate,and post-void residue changed from 21 to 7,6 mL/s to 19 mL/s,and 210 mL to 20 mL,respectively.The average follow-up was 34 months(range:12-58 months).Overall recurrence and complication rates were 10.5%and 9.2%,respectively.The recurrence in each category was seen in 3,1,2,1,and 1 patient,respectively.Overall 95% confidence interval for recurrence percentage was 4.66-19.69.Conclusion:Urethral stricture disease is a major long-term complication of endo-urological treatment of BPH.The bulbo-membranous strictures need continence preserving approach.Navicular fossa strictures require minimally invasive and cosmetic consideration.Peno-bulbar strictures require judicious use of grafts and flaps.Bladder neck stenosis in this cohort could be treated with endoscopic measures.Multiple locations need treatment based on their sites in single-stage as far as possible.

Management and Outcome of Urethral Strictures at Two Tertiary Health Facilities in Cameroon

Introduction and Objectives: Urethral stricture is a reduction in the caliber of the urethral lumen impeding the outflow of urine. It predominantly affects males. The disease burden is severe in our milieu where access to specialized care is limited. Our goal was therefore to assess the management and outcome of male urethral stricture at two tertiary hospitals in Douala, Cameroon. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective study of patients managed for urethral stricture over 5 years (January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2021) at the Douala General and Laquintinie Hospitals. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, and treatment options were extracted using pre-structured forms. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Statistical significance was set at p-value Results: We exploited 130 medical records. The mean age of patients was 46.5 years. Dysuria and weak urine stream were the major presenting complaints (63.8% and 23.8% respectively). The etiology of urethral stricture was iatrogenic in 42.3% of cases. The strictures were mostly single (89.8%), and the bulbar urethra was most affected (46.9%). 28 patients had urinary tract infections and the most frequently isolated germ was E. coli in 29.6%. Direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) was performed in 42.3% of cases. Surgery, especially excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) was done in 28.5% of cases. Major complications were wound infection, acute kidney injury (AKI), and urethrocutaneous fistulae affecting 3.1, 2.3, and 1.5% of cases respectively. The recurrence rate was 17% with a mortality rate of 0.08%. Conclusion: Urethral stricture is common in our adult male population. The cause is mainly iatrogenic and the bulbar urethra is most affected. Minimally invasive and open reconstruction are frequently used treatment options with significant recurrence rates in the long term.

Phallic rubber band application to prevent enuresis unusual cause of urethral stricture in a child:A case report

BACKGROUND Urethral stricture is the abnormal narrowing of the urethra due to spongiofibrosis.The established aetiological factors for urethral stricture abound in our environment.However,the application of a penile rubber band to prevent enuresis thereby causing this pathology is not a familiar occurrence.Patients with enuresis can suffer psycho-social challenges and trauma,especially for a child due to peer stigmatization.This has a great impact on the child's psyche and may affect even his performance at school.The aim of this paper is to highlight the psychosocial impact and management challenges of a child with enuresis(nocturnal urinary incontinence).CASE SUMMARY This is the case of a 10-year-old boy who presented with a history of nocturnal urinary incontinence since birth and lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS)for 3 years culminating in chronic urinary retention.He maintained a normal urge to micturate and continent of urine during the daytime before the onset of LUTS.He had an antecedent longstanding history of tying a rubber band to the penile shaft mostly before going to the bed at night to prevent enuresis due to his peer stigmatization.He was acutely ill-looking,with distended suprapubic region.The phallus and scrotum were enlarged and oedematous with a circumferential proximal penile shaft scar and ventral penile shaft urethrocutaneous fistula.He was diagnosed to have complete short segment bulbopenile stricture and right ectopic ureter.He subsequent had augmented anastomotic urethroplasty and bilateral non-refluxing ureteroneocystostomy at different sitting.CONCLUSION The adherence to surgical principles of urethral stricture and enuresis management where surgically correctable in a child is associated with the resolution of enuresis and social reintegration.

Long-term outcomes of urethral balloon dilation for anterior urethral stricture: A prospective cohort study

Objective:To prospectively follow up a cohort of anterior urethral stricture disease patients managed with balloon dilation(BD)for 3 years to evaluate the long-term outcomes and to study factors that contribute to recurrence.Methods:This study included men who had urethral BD for significant anterior urethral stricture disease between January 2017 and March 2019.Data about the patient age,stricture characteristics,and recurrence date were recorded,along with information on postoperative indwelling catheter use and operative complications.Furthermore,information about the self-calibration procedure was collected and where available,free flow(FF)measurements during the follow-up period were recorded and analyzed.Success was defined as a lack of symptoms and acceptable FF rates(maximum flow rate>12 mL/s).Results:The final analysis was conducted on 187 patients.The mean follow-up period was 37 months.The long-term overall success rate at the end of our study was 66.8%.Our recurrence rate was 7.4%at 12 months,24.7%at 24 months,and reached 33.2%at the end of our study.The time to recurrence ranged from 91 days to 1635 days,with a mean of 670 days.The stricture-free survival was significantly shorter with lengthy peno-bulbar(p=0.031)and multiple strictures(p=0.015),and in the group of patients who were not committed to self-calibration protocol(p<0.011).However,post-procedural self-calibration was the most important factor that may have decreased the incidence of recurrence(odds ratioZ5.85).Adjuvant self-calibration after BD not only reduced the recurrence rate from 85.4%in the non-self-calibration group to 15.1%in the self-calibration one(p<0.001),but also improved the overall stricture-free survival and FF parameters.

Investigation of risk factors in the development of recurrent urethral stricture after internal urethrotomy

BACKGROUND Urethral stricture is a condition that often develops with trauma and results in narrowing of the urethral lumen.Although endoscopic methods are mostly used in its treatment,it has high recurrence rates.Therefore,open urethroplasty is recommended after unsuccessful endoscopic treatments.AIM To investigate the risk factors associated with urethral stricture recurrence.METHODS The data of male patients who underwent internal urethrotomy for urethral stricture between January 2017 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Demographic data,comorbidities,preoperative haemogram,and biochemical values obtained from peripheral blood and operative data were recorded.Patients were divided into two groups in terms of recurrence development;recurrence and non-recurrence.Initially recorded data were compared between the two groups.RESULTS A total of 303 patients were included in the study.The mean age of the patients was 66.6±13.6 years.The mean duration of recurrence development was 9.63±9.84(min-max:1-39)months in the recurrence group.Recurrence did not occur in non-recurrence group throughout the follow-up period with an average time of 44.15±24.07(min-max:12-84)months.In the comparison of both groups,the presence of diabetes mellitus(DM),hypertension(HT),and multiple comorbidi-ties were significantly higher in the recurrence(+)group(P=0.038,P=0.012,P=0.013).Blood group,postoperative use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,preoperative cystostomy,cause of stricture,iatrogenic cause of stricture,location and length of stricture,indwelling urinary cathater size and day of catheter removal did not differ between the two groups.No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of age,uroflowmetric maximum flow rate value,hemo-gram parameters,aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),fasting blood sugar,creati-nine,glomerular filtration rate,neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio,platelet-lymphocyte ratio,lymphocyte-monocyte ratio,monocyte-lymphocyte ratio and AST/ALT ratios.CONCLUSION In patients with urethral stricture recurrence,only the frequency of DM and HT was high,while inflammation marker levels and stricture-related parameters were similar between the groups.

Tunica albuginea versus buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture: A prospective randomised pilot study

Objective:The objective of the study was to compare the outcome of tunica albuginea urethroplasty(TAU)and buccal mucosa graft(BMG)urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture.Methods:Thirty patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomised into two groups:TAU(Group A)and BMG urethroplasty(Group B).Surgical outcome was evaluated with pre-and post-operative work-up involving retrograde urethrogram,voiding cystourethrogram,uroflowmetry,and urethroscopy.Patients were followed up till 1 year.Results:Mean duration of surgery was statistically significant between two groups(p=0.0005).Maximum urine flow rate was comparable when compared between two groups(p=0.22)but statistically significant when compared pre-and post-operatively(p<0.001).At follow-up of 1 year,the successful outcomes were 80% in Group A and 87%in Group B.A total of five patients who had unsuccessful results required redo urethroplasty.Complications were minimal in both the groups.Conclusion:TAU provides outcomes equivalent to those of BMG urethroplasty.TAU has less operative time,easy to perform,and beneficial in patients with poor oral hygiene.

Male Urethral Stricture: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects in Kara

Background: Urethral stricture is a pathology frequently encountered in urological practice. Management is often surgical, with possible recurrences. What about this pathology in Kara, a semi-urban city? Objective: Assess the management of male urethral stricture in Kara. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive study with retrospective data collection. The study took place in the urology department of the teaching hospital of Kara, from December 2020 to December 2022. All cases of male urethral stricture, surgically treated at the teaching hospital of Kara, were listed. The inclusion criteria were as follows: any patient who had been treated surgically for male urethral stricture in the urology department of the teaching Hospital of Kara. The operating theater register and hospital records were used to collect the data. The diagnosis of urethral stricture had been made with retrograde urethrogram. A total of 24 patients were treated for male urethral stricture during the study period. The following variables were studied: age, reason for consultation, location, length, and etiology of the stricture;the type of treatment received: optical internal urethrotomy, or anastomotic urethroplasty, and the results. The result was considered good if, after removal of the urethral catheter, the patient regained his micturition without the need for dilatation;the result was considered average if, after removal of the urethral catheter, the patient needed one or more dilatation sessions to regain urination;the result was considered poor if, after removal of the catheter, the patient did not regain good micturition despite the urethral dilatation sessions. Microsoft excel and epi info 7 software were used for data processing. Results: The average age of our patients was 43.7 years ± 10.18 with extremes ranging from 27 to 70 years. The most represented age groups were that of 40 to 50 years, with 37.5% of cases;and that of 30 to 40 years with 33.3% of cases. The patients had consulted for urine retention in 66.6% of cases;the location of urethral stricture was bulbar in 45.8% of cases. The most found etiology was infectious in 58.3% of cases. Among our patients, 58.3% had received optical internal urethrotomy as treatment, while 41.6% of our patients had received anastomotic urethroplasty as treatment. Postoperatively, after removal of the urinary catheter, 87.5% of patients had benefited from one or repeated dilatation. In terms of results, we had a good result in 20.8% of patients;the result was average in 45.8% of patients, and poor in 33.3% of patients. The average duration of follow-up was 14.3 +/- 7.2 months (3-27). Conclusion: Male urethral stricture mainly affects young adults in Kara. Surgical management is done by optical internal urethrotomy and/or anastomotic urethroplasty.

Double-face urethroplasty in patients with obliterative bulbar strictures post-transurethral resection of the prostate mid-term outcomes in high-volume referral center

Objective Incidences of post-transurethral resection of the prostate(post-TURP)strictures are between 2.2%and 9.8%.Stricture commonly occurs within the first 6 months.Our objective was to assess the outcomes of patients with obliterative strictures post-TURP that underwent a double-face urethroplasty.Methods This is a single-center prospective study of 17 patients with obliterative proximal bulbar stricture post-TURP who underwent double-face graft urethroplasty by two surgeons between January 2014 and January 2020.We defined post-TURP obliterative strictures as those patients who presented with complete or almost complete obstruction of the urethral lumen and who have had a history of acute urine retention.We have excluded patients with bladder neck contracture.Primary outcome was treatment success,defined as the no need for further treatments.Secondary outcome was post-urethroplasty continent rate.Results Seventeen patients were included in the study with median age of 66(interquartile range 40-77)years;median time of follow-up was 24(interquartile range 12-84)months;median stricture length was 4(interquartile range 2-6)cm.Of the 17 patients,15(88.2%)were successful.All patients were continent after urethroplasty.Conclusion With mid-term follow-up,treatment of obliterative proximal bulbar strictures with double-face buccal mucosa graft is a safe and effective procedure.Obliterative proximal bulbar strictures merit double-face urethroplasty with high-rate success and functional outcomes.

Male Anterior Urethral Stricture: Epidemiological Profile and Management at Ouagadougou University Teaching Hospital (Burkina-Faso)

It was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted in the urology division of Yalgado Ouedraogo University Teaching Hospital from October 2009 to September 2014. Sixty three (63) male patients with anterior urethral stricture disease were included. All the patients have their diagnosis confirmed by voiding retrograde cystourethrogram (VCUG) or during surgical intervention. Anterior urethral stricture constitutes 41.1% of all urethral stricture. Hospital prevalence was 4.2%. Patient average age was 50.5 years. Dysuria and urinary retention were the major complaints representing respectively 66.7% and 33.3%. The infectious cause of urethral stricture was 71.1% of cases, followed by iatrogenic and traumatic causes with respectively 17.4% and 11.1% of cases. Voiding retrograde urethrocystogram (VCUG) was the only diagnostic procedure. Single urethral stenosis of the anterior urethra was about 88.8% while multiple stenosis constituted about 11.2%. Bulbar urethral stricture was the major location for the stenosis. Urine analysis was performed on 82.5% patients and ruled out urinary infections in 69.2% of cases with identification and isolation of Escherichia Coli in 77.7%. Majority of patients (61.9%) had open surgery of which 39.7% had end to end resection and anastomosis. Dilatation constituted 33.3% of treatment of the stricture of the anterior urethra. No endoscopic treatment was registered. At the removal of the catheter, all were successful but with time, the success rate was 87% at 6 months, 89.7% at 12 months, 85.2% at 18 months 63.1% at 24 months.

Outcomes of Early Primary Endoscopic Realignment and Delayed Reconstruction in the Management of Posterior Urethral Injury in Male

Background: Posterior urethral injury usually occurs in male patients with pelvic fractures. Posterior urethral injuries are associated with considerable morbidity including urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and urethral stricture. Objective: To compare the outcomes between early primary endoscopic realignment and delayed reconstruction in the management of male patients of posterior urethral injury. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted in the department of urology and department of casualty, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2015 to June 2017 among 50 male patients with posterior urethral injury. Fifty patients were randomly allocated into two groups;the group A consisted of 24 patients underwent early primary endoscopic realignment within 10 days after posterior urethral injury and the group B consisted of 26 patients underwent delayed reconstruction in form of anastomotic urethroplasty after 3 months. All patients were followed up at 3rd, 6th and 9th month after the procedure. Outcome variables were post-operative urethral stricture, urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Data were analyzed and compared by statistical tests. Results: The mean (±SD) age of the study patients was almost similar between the groups (28.8 ± 8.4 vs. 27.4 ± 7.2 years, p = 0.486). In group A, 83.33% patients developed postoperative urethral stricture, none of them developed urinary incontinence and 20.83% developed erectile dysfunction;On the other hand, in group B, these rates were 38.46%, 23.07% and 38.46% respectively. Postoperative urethral stricture formation was significantly higher in Group A (p = 0.0012) but urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction rates were significantly higher in Group B (p = 0.018 and p = 0.042 respectively). Conclusion: Early primary endoscopic realignment is better than delayed reconstruction in the management of male patients with posterior urethral injury. It provides less postoperative complications like urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, though postoperative urethral stricture formation is higher but amenable to be corrected endoscopically.

Current trends in urethral stricture management

The recent International Consultation on Urological Disease(ICUD)panel 2010 confirmed that a urethral stricture is defined as a narrowing of the urethra consequent upon ischaemic spongiofibrosis,as distinct from sphincter stenoses and a urethral disruption injury.Whenever possible,an anastomotic urethroplasty should be performed because of the higher success rate as compared to augmentation urethroplasty.There is some debate currently regarding the critical stricture length at which an anastomotic procedure can be used,but clearly the extent of the spongiofibrosis and individual anatomical factors(the length of the penis and urethra)are important,the limitation for this being extension of dissection beyond the peno-scrotal junction and the subsequent production of chordee.More recently,there has been interest in whether to excise and anastomose or to carry out a stricturotomy and reanastomosis using a Heineke-Miculicz technique.Augmentation urethroplasty has evolved towards the more extensive use of oral mucosa grafts as compared to penile skin flaps,as both flaps and grafts have similar efficacy and certainly the use of either dorsal or ventral positioning seems to provide comparable results.It is important that the reconstructive surgeon is well versed in the full range of available repair techniques,as no single method is suitable for all cases and will enable the management of any unexpected anatomical findings discovered intra-operatively.

Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU) in the Management of Male Urethral Strictures. A Single Center Experience about 44 Patients

Introduction: Male urethral stricture is one of the oldest urological disorders. Many techniques have been proposed to treat them, including endoscopic internal urethrotomy (DVIU). Material and Methods: To evaluate the contribution of this technique in the treatment of urethra narrowing, a retrospective study on the records of patients with urethral stricture treated with endoscopic internal urethrotomy between January 2014 and December 2021 in the urology division of the Souro Sanou University Teaching Hospital. Results: A total of 44 male patients with urethral stricture were treated with this technique and 48 procedures were performed. The average age of the patients was 53.2 ± 18.2 years. The etiology of the stricture was dominated by iatrogenic, infectious, traumatic and idiopathic causes in 43.2% (n = 19), 27.3% (n = 12), 20.4 % (n = 9), and 9.1% (n = 4) respectively. The location of the stricture was bulbar in 72.7%, and the anterior penile urethra in 15.9%. The overall success rate was 72.7% with satisfactory urination without dysuria, evaluated after removal of the urinary catheter, at three months this rate fell to 69.1%, and at 6 months this rate was 67.5%. Five cases (5) of extravasation of blood or irrigation fluid into the scrotum were reported and managed conservatively as well as two (2) cases of false routes with postoperative oedema of the penis were observed. Conclusion: DVIU is a simple technique, free of major morbidity and requiring only short-term hospitalization. It can be proposed as a first-line treatment for urethral stricture.

Urethroplasty among Elderly Men, Surgical Techniques and Outcomes

Introduction: Urethroplasty remains the gold standard for the management of urethral stricture. However, the treatment of stricture disease in the elderly tends to be less invasive due to the presumption that they might not be able to stand long hours of surgery and might have higher rates of recurrence due to poor wound healing from microangiopathy. We present our experience with the outcomes of urethroplasty among elderly men seen at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital from January 2012 to December 2021. Methods: This was a retrospective review of data captured in the urology database on all patients 65 years and above who underwent urethroplasty at the hospital over the study period. Data was obtained on patients’ demographics, stricture characteristics, urethroplasty technique, and outcome. A successful outcome was defined as peak flow rate > 15 mls/s, a patent urethra on retrograde urethrogram, patient satisfaction with urine stream, or restoration of the normal stream of urine with only one attempt at urethral calibration or internal urethrotomy postoperatively. Data was analyzed using PASW Statistics for Windows, Version 18.0. Results: Overall, 43 urethroplasties were done over the study period in elderly men. The age range was 65 to 87 years. The commonest aetiology was catheterization (62.79%) followed by urethritis (32.56%). Stricture length ranged from 0.5 cm to 16 cm with a mean of 3.93 cm. Most patients (60.46%) had bulbar urethral strictures. The repair methods employed were anastomotic urethroplasty (62.80%), fasciocutaneous flap (FCF) ventral onlay (13.95%), buccal mucosa graft (BMG) ventral onlay urethroplasty (4.65%), and staged urethroplasty (4.65%). Three of the patients (6.98%) had a combination of anastomotic and tissue transfer urethroplasty. The overall success rate was 88.37%. Complications included three surgical site infections, two urethral diverticula and one glans dehiscence. Conclusion: Elderly men tolerate urethroplasty well and the procedure should not be denied solely based on age.

Outcomes of treatment of male urethral stricture：a multivariate analysis

目的：分析外伤性和前列腺术后尿道狭窄各种治疗方法的优缺点及影响因素，为临床上合理选择治疗方式、减少狭窄复发提出有益建议。方法：对本科64例外伤性和59例前列腺术后的尿道狭窄初次治疗共123例进行回顾性多因素分析。结果：64例外伤性尿道狭窄患者中，尿扩22例，20例（90．9％）复发；尿道内切开21例，16例（76．2％）复发；尿道端端吻合21例，4例（19％）复发；59例前列腺术后尿道狭窄中，尿扩16例，15例（93．6％）复发；尿道内切开37例，5例（13．5％）复发；6例切开膀胱行膀胱颈疤痕切开切除膀胱颈整形术，3例（50％）复发。结论：①经尿道疤痕切开切除治疗外伤性尿道狭窄，其疗效与狭窄长度有关，狭窄长度〈2cm复发率低，〉2121／1则复发率高。②尿道疤痕切除端端吻合治疗外伤性尿道狭窄，其疗效与狭窄长度、狭窄部位、既往手术史无关，与手术本身有关，即术中如彻底切除狭窄疤痕及坏死组织、吻合无张力则复发率低，反之则高。⑧尿扩适用于尿道黏膜下狭窄，不适用于合并有尿道海绵体纤维化的尿道狭窄。④尿道内切开是治疗前列腺术后尿道狭窄的首选方法且疗效好。

经尿道钬激光内切开治疗尿道狭窄或闭锁

目的 探讨钬激光治疗尿道狭窄或闭锁的治疗方法和经验.方法 对28例尿道狭窄或闭锁的患者应用钬激光行尿道内切开术治疗. 结果 28例患者手术均一次成功,顺利留置F20～22导尿管,留置4～6周,拔管后均排尿通畅,部分患者术后近期需定期尿道扩张.结论 经尿道钬激光内切开治疗尿道狭窄或闭锁手术操作微创,安全,精确,疗效满意.

Development and characterization of urethral stricture model in rabbits

Objective： To establish an experimental model of urethral stricture in rabbits. Methods： A total of 21 adult male New Zealand rabbits were included into group. After intravenous anesthesia, urethroscopy was performed with a pediatric resectoscope （F13）. Fifteen animals were randomly selected as the study group. A lcm-long circumferential electrocoagulation of the bulbar urethra was performed to these animals until ulceration of the mucosa. The remaining 6 animals underwent video urethroscopy without electrocoagulation, serving as controls. On the 30th day, retrograde urethrogram and urethroscopy were performed to evaluate urethral stricture formation, histological examinations （HE and Sirius Red staining） were done to assess urethral pathological change. Results： Two rabbits in study group died and no death occurred in controls. Based on urethrogram and urethroscopy, no rabbits in control group developed urethral stricture, while significant stricture formation was observed in every case of the study group. Histological examination showed a normal urethra in control cases, while at stricture site of the study group extensive fibrosis of muscle and submucous tis High collagen expression in fibrosis tissue was assayed sue by was observed with a large number of fibroblasts infiltration Sirius Red staining. Conclusion： A lcm-long endoscopic electrocoagulation can successfully induce urethral stricture formation in rabbit models. This method offers an ideal animal model for the fundamental and clinical study of urethral stricture

The Role of Internal Optical Urethrotomy in the Treatment of Male Urethral Stricture

Background: Male urethral stricture is as yet considered one of the very popular and defying dilemmas to the urologist. Treatment modalities include dilation, endoscopic urethrotomy and urethroplasty, however internal optical urethrotomy displays rapid cure, lower scarring, and minimal hazard of infection. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of internal optical urethrotomy in the treatment of patients with urethral stricture. Patients & Methods: This study was carried out at Al-Yermouk Teaching Hospital/Baghdad/Iraq in the period between January 2015 and January 2018. A group of 75 male patients (16 - 25 years of age) presented with urethral strictures had been treated with internal optical urethrotomy. Follow-up period ranged from 1 - 3 months. Outcome was graded as good, fair and poor. Results: Out of 75 patients, 28 (37.3%) were (21 - 30) years of age. Trauma was the most popular source of stricture found in 40 (53.3%) and the most widespread presenting feature was poor urinary flow in 32 (42.6%) patients. Stricture in the bulbous urethra in 48 (64%) cases was found to be the most prevalent area followed by penile urethra in 16 (21.3%) cases. Overall response rate was good in 52 (69.3%) patients. Eleven (14.6%) patients exhibited only minor bleeding postoperatively with no other considerable complications. Conclusion: Internal optical urethrotomy is a dependable and effective procedure in treating urethral stricture.