Multilayered hydrogel scaffold construct with native tissue matched elastic modulus: A regenerative microenvironment for urethral scar-free healing.

The unsuitable deformation stimulus, harsh urine environment, and lack of a regenerative microenvironment (RME) prevent scaffold-based urethral repair and ultimately lead to irreversible urethral scarring. The researchers clarify the optimal elastic modulus of the urethral scaffolds for urethral repair and design a multilayered PVA hydrogel scaffold for urethral scar-free healing. The inner layer of the scaffold has self-healing properties, which ensures that the wound effectively resists harsh urine erosion, even when subjected to sutures. In addition, the scaffold's outer layer has an extracellular matrix-like structure that synergizes with adipose-derived stem cells to create a favorable RME. In vivo experiments confirm successful urethral scar-free healing using the PVA multilayered hydrogel scaffold. Further mechanistic study shows that the PVA multilayer hydrogel effectively resists the urine-induced inflammatory response and accelerates the transition of urethral wound healing to the proliferative phase by regulating macrophage polarization, thus providing favorable conditions for urethral scar-free healing. This study provides mechanical criteria for the fabrication of urethral tissue-engineered scaffolds, as well as important insights into their design.

Ventral-approach augmented nontransected anastomotic (vANTA) urethroplasty for bulbar urethral strictures: a single-center experience.

Background/aim: This study describes ventral-approach augmented nontransected anastomotic (vANTA) urethroplasty and presents the preliminary functional results of patients treated with this technique. Materials and methods: Twenty-three patients who underwent vANTA urethroplasty were included in the study. Stricture location, stricture length, preoperative uroflowmetry parameters (maximum flow rate (Qmax) and mean flow rate (Qmean)), preoperative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 scores, operation time, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and follow-up periods were recorded. The Qmax, Qmean, and IIEF-5 scores of the patients were recorded again in the second and twelfth postoperative months. Preoperative and postoperative Qmax values and IIEF-5 scores were compared. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to demonstrate recurrence-free survival. Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 52.1 ± 16.9 years. Mean stricture length was 2.5 ± 0.5 cm. There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and 2-month postoperative uroflowmetry Qmax values (6.9 (0.0-14.5) vs. 18.5 (5.5-41.5) mL/s; p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative and 2-month postoperative IIEF-5 scores (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and 1-year postoperative median Qmax values (7.2 (0.0-12.3) vs. 17.4 (11.2-24.3) mL/s; p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and 1-year postoperative IIEF-5 scores (p > 0.05). According to Kaplan-Meier recurrence-free survival analysis, the recurrence-free survival rate at 6 months was 95.7. Conclusion: In cases of bulbar urethral strictures, vANTA urethroplasty is an effective treatment option with limited postoperative complications. Preserving the underlying corpus spongiosum is important to avoid impaired sexual function.

Unforeseen Encounters: Managing Intravesical Drains and Secondary Bladder Stones in Clinical Practice.

Urinary tract stones predominantly affect the kidneys and ureters, with bladder stones representing a smaller subset. Secondary bladder stones often arise from underlying pathologies such as bladder outlet obstruction, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, or the presence of foreign bodies within the bladder. We present a case of a 54-year-old male with a history of bladder stones and type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with chronic urinary symptoms and penile swelling. Imaging revealed multiple bladder stones and a periurethral abscess secondary to a retained intravesical drain from a previous cystolithotomy. Surgical intervention included cystolithotomy, removal of the drain and stones, and management of associated urethral strictures. Postoperatively, the patient showed improvement in renal function and resolution of symptoms. This case underscores the importance of vigilant management during drain procedures to prevent complications like retained foreign bodies leading to stone formation and obstructive uropathy.

Impact of Adding Urethral Sonography with Retrograde Urethrography in Preoperative Assessment of Anterior Urethral Stricture.

Background: Even with underlying risk factors and limitations, retrograde urethrography (RGU) is the most popular imaging modality in the assessment of anterior urethral stricture. Urethral sonography (SUG) is an able imaging modality in use for the last few years which evaluates anterior urethral stricture without these risks, though it is still not much popular due to its complexity. This prospective study was designed to compare the assessment made on SUG with the results of RGU and to analyze its impact on surgical decision-making when the results of SUG were taken into consideration with RGU. Methods: Thirty patients with anterior urethral stricture were assessed for stricture location, length, and associated urethral pathologies with RGU and surgery planned accordingly. Later, all were reevaluated with SUG, results compared with that of RGU and surgery replanned, considering both RGU and SUG findings. All results were compared with operative findings. Results: The mean stricture lengths on SUG, RGU, and surgery were 20.45 mm, 17.15 mm, and 20.38 mm, respectively. Overall sensitivity and specificity of SUG in actual stricture length prediction were 92.3% and 96.1%, whereas these were 78.9% and 85.1%, respectively, on RGU. Spongiofibrosis was assessed only with SUG, that too, with 85%-90% accuracy. Surgical plan was changed in 31% of cases when SUG findings were taken into account along with RGU findings. Conclusion: SUG was found more precise modality in the measurement of stricture length and more informative and elaborative in providing added knowledge of degree of spongiofibrosis and associated pathologies of diseased urethra and periurethral tissue. For better preoperative planning of anterior urethral strictures, SUG should be added to work-up along with RGU.

The urinary and sexual outcomes of buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty versus end-to-end anastomosis: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: The urinary and sexual outcomes after urethroplasty may be a concern for patients, but there are still some controversies regarding the consequences of buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (BMG) in terms of erectile dysfunction (ED). Aim: This meta-analysis aimed to compare urinary and sexual outcomes of BMG and end-to-end urethroplasty (EE). Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched until February 31, 2023. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by 2 designated researchers. Dichotomous data were analyzed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity across studies was assessed by the I2 quantification, and publication bias using Begg's and Egger's tests. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software. Outcomes: Outcomes included stricture recurrence, ED, penile complications, and voiding symptoms. Results: Eighteen studies, including 1648 participants, were included in our meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in stricture recurrence (OR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.48-1.13; P = .17) and voiding symptoms (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 0.32-3.88; P = .86) between the BMG group and the EE group. BMG was associated with lower risk of penile complications (OR = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.24-0.69; P = .001) and ED (OR = 0.53, 95% CI, 0.32-0.90, P = .02). Clinical Implications: The study may help clinicians choose procedures that achieve better recovery of the urological and sexual function in the treatment of urethral stricture. Strengths and Limitations: This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the urinary and sexual outcomes of BMG vs EE. A limitation is that most of the included studies were retrospective cohort studies. Conclusion: BMG is as effective as EE in the treatment of bulbar urethral stricture, but BMG has fewer complications and ED than EE.

Urethroplasty- a single centre single surgeon experience.

INTRODUCTION: Male urethral stricture affects 100 in 100,000 men. These are investigated using uroflowmetry, retrograde urethrography and cystourethroscopy. Management is usually endoscopic with urethral dilation or direct visual internal urethrotomy, although they have high failure rates. It is now recommended that urethroplasty is performed earlier. In this study we have reviewed a single surgeons experience with urethroplasty and patient outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of all urethroplasty operations performed in our hospital over a 5 -year period. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were identified, with a mean age of 46. The most common presenting symptom was poor flow (100%). Uroflowmetry was performed in 31 of 45 patients(69%). More patients had a urethrogram (58%) than flexible cystoscopy (38%). Most strictures were idiopathic (67%). Mean stricture length was 2.6 cm. 71% did not require any further intervention. Five patients required repeat surgery. Four required DVIU and one required a repeat urethroplasty. DISCUSSION: The most popular techniques for urethroplasty in the UK are augmentation urethroplasty using a buccal mucosal graft and anastomotic urethroplasty, both of which we describe. There are variations in what is deemed as successful surgery. The most widely used definition is 'the lack of need for any further operative intervention'. We have recently adopted Patient Reported Outcome Measures using a validated questionnaire to measure the patients perception of a successful outcome. Complex strictures have a higher incidence of complications. 42% of our cohort were complex and we describe results comparable to the published literature.

Common comorbidity indices fail to predict short-term postoperative outcomes following male urethroplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether commonly used comorbidity indices [Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Van Walraven Index (VWI), and modified frailty index (mFI)] predict postoperative readmissions and complications after urethroplasty. METHODS: Patients undergoing urethroplasty for urethral stricture from the State Inpatient Database and State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database for Florida (2010-2015) and California (2010-2011) were identified. We calculated CCI, VWI, and mFI scores for each patient. We extracted the following adverse outcomes: 30 day ER services, 30 day inpatient readmissions, and 90 day Clavien-Dindo III-V complications. We constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and compared area under the curve (AUC), using the VWI as the reference index. RESULTS: We identified 908 urethroplasty patients. Among these patients, 11.5% (n = 104) of patients had a complication, with 4.8% (n = 44) specifically having 30-day ER services, 6.2% (n = 56) having 30 day readmissions, and 9.0% (n = 82) having 90-day Clavien-Dindo III-V complications. ROC curves demonstrated poor predictive performances for all four indices as no index achieved an AUC > 0.70. The indices performed similarly poorly but the mFI-DX was particularly poor at predicting 90 day Clavien-Dindo III-V complications (AUC = 0.49; 95% CI 0.43-0.55; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The CCI, VWI, and mFI have poor ability to identify patients who had an adverse event after urethroplasty. Our results support the need for a urology-specific comorbidity index to better identify at-risk patients undergoing urethroplasty.

Retrograde Ejaculation Due to Posterior Urethral Stricture: A Rare Case Report.

Pelvic fracture is a serious injury, which has a profound impact on sexual function due to concurrent nervous and urethral injuries. In this case report, we describe a 29-year-old single man who had retrograde ejaculation as a result of a pelvic fracture-related posterior urethral stricture. The patient wanted to improve his ejaculatory ability after experiencing urethral stricture for 8 years and retrograde ejaculation for 3 years following the pelvic fracture. We precisely located and measured the patient's urethral stricture using a retrograde urethrogram, and we used transrectal color Doppler ultrasound to track the patient's ejaculation process in real time. Next, we used urethral balloon dilatation to relieve the urethral stricture. Urinary obstruction symptoms have completely resolved, and the patient was able to urinate without any obstructions. Meanwhile, the real-time transrectal color Doppler ultrasound result showed that some semen might ejaculate externally by passing through the initial stricture area, while some semen continued to flow retrogradely into the bladder.

A single-institution experience with the Optilume Urethral Drug Coated Balloon for management of urethral stricture disease.

Background: Urethral stricture disease is detrimental to quality of life. The Optilume Urethral Drug Coated Balloon (DCB) offers a solution utilizing a paclitaxel-coated balloon to expand strictures and prevent recurrence. Following the ROBUST trials, it has been proposed that DCB is more effective than conventional endoscopic management for recurrent, small anterior urethral strictures. Our study provides insights into practical applications and outcomes using DCB for urethral stricture disease. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent DCB for urethral strictures at our institution from November 2022 to August 2023 with follow-up evaluated through January 2024. Demographics, stricture characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Primary endpoint was need for repeat intervention as determined by symptomatic burden and subsequently postoperative post-void residual if obtained. Secondary endpoint was complication rate. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA/BE17.0 software to create Kaplan-Meier curves for time to repeat intervention after treatment with DCB. Results: Of 43 patients, 16 had no prior treatment. The other 27 had endoscopic treatment and of this group, 11 also had additional urethroplasty. Stricture etiologies included 20 iatrogenic, 14 idiopathic, 5 radiation-related, 2 inflammatory, and 2 traumatic. Stricture locations were 2 fossa navicularis, 7 pendulous, 17 bulbar, 7 membranous, 3 prostatic, and 7 bladder neck contractures. Mean balloon dilation lasted 8.4±2.7 minutes. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 150 days postoperatively and the mean duration of follow-up for the cohort was 290.3±87.0 days. The average postoperative post-void residual was 33.4±90.6 milliliters. Two patients had immediate complications: 1 with urinary retention after catheter removal requiring suprapubic tube placement and 1 with urinary tract infection requiring antibiotics. Four patients required repeat interventions: 1 endoscopic dilation, 1 graft urethroplasty, and 2 repeat DCB procedures. Mean time to repeat intervention was 203.5±82.6 days, and no patient required repeat intervention within 145 days of initial surgery. Conclusions: DCB offers a safe and less invasive treatment for both treatment-naïve and recurrent urethral strictures with paclitaxel coating to prevent recurrence. Repeat intervention was not required for 90.7% of our cohort within an average follow-up duration of 9 months postoperatively. As DCB grows in clinical use, investigation into its long-term efficacy is justified.

Artificial urinary sphincter and stricture disease: surgical principles in management.

Iatrogenic stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most common complication of surgical treatment of prostate cancer, regardless of operative approach, and has a major impact on patients' quality of life. Although SUI can occur after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, specifically transurethral prostate resection, laser enucleation of the prostate, and simple open prostatectomy, these therapeutic modalities play a much less significant role in the etiology of SUI. Artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implantation is considered the standard treatment modality providing high success rates, including durable efficacy, and optimal patient satisfaction for moderate to severe urinary incontinence resulting mainly from radical prostatectomy. However, although complication rates are generally acceptably low, revision and/or explantation may be required due to mechanical failure and non-mechanical problems, specifically urethral atrophy/cuff deficient occlusion, infection, and cuff erosion. Several risk factors for AUS failure associated with a fragile, compromised urethra have been identified and these play a critical role in device cuff erosion and subsequent removal of the device. Among others, apparently the most impacting factors are irradiation, urethral stent placement, a previous AUS placement, and importantly presence of urethral stricture or prior urethroplasty. Generally, any clinical situation leading to a diseased urethra or lack of urethral integrity is associated with impaired local blood perfusion, and consequently lower success rates. The present review aims to evaluate the impact of the presence of prior urethral strictures and urethroplasty on the outcomes of AUS implantation on one hand, and vice-versa, the influence of AUS placement on later urethral stricture surgery, particularly following cuff erosion.

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.

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 ratio=5.85). 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. Conclusion: Urethral BD has a high recurrence rate in the long-term, especially with long and multiple strictures. Adjuvant self-calibration has proven to reduce the recurrence risk and the need for re-intervention.

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.

Perineal Urethrostomy for Complex Urethral Strictures: Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes from a Reconstructive Referral Center and a Scoping Literature Review.

PURPOSE: There is a paucity of long-term objective and patient-reported outcomes after definitive perineal urethrostomy for complex urethral strictures. Our objective is to determine comprehensive long-term success of perineal urethrostomy with our 15-year experience at a reconstructive referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent perineal urethrostomy between 2009 and 2023 were identified. A comprehensive long-term follow-up was conducted, evaluating both objective outcomes (retreatment-free survival) and subjective outcomes through the use of validated questionnaires. Additionally, to provide further context for our findings, we conducted a scoping review of all studies reporting outcomes following perineal urethrostomy. RESULTS: Among 76 patients, 55% had iatrogenic strictures, with 82% previously undergoing urethral interventions. At a median follow-up of 55 months, retreatment-free survival was 84%, with 16% of patients experiencing perineal urethrostomy recurrent stenosis. Patient-reported outcomes revealed a generally satisfactory voiding function (Urethral Stricture Surgery patient-reported outcome measure Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms score) and continence (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form), with median scores of 4 (range 0-24) and 0 (range 0-21), but with bimodal distributions of sexual function scores (median International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function domain: 3.5; median Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculation Scale: 21). Treatment satisfaction was very high with a median International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Satisfaction outcome score of 21 (range 0-24). The scoping review revealed varying success rates ranging from 51% to 95%, highlighting difficulties in comparison due to variable success definitions and patient case mix. CONCLUSIONS: Perineal urethrostomy provides effective treatment for complex anterior urethral strictures, with high patient satisfaction, preserved continence function, and favorable voiding outcomes. It presents a viable option for older and comorbid patients, especially after thorough counseling on expected outcomes and potential risks.

The Impact of Social Deprivation on Anterior Urethral Stricture Recurrence After Urethroplasty - A Trauma and Urologic Reconstructive Network of Surgeons (TURNS) Analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Several factors influence recurrence after urethral stricture repair. The impact of socioeconomic factors on stricture recurrence after urethroplasty is poorly understood. This study aims to assess the impact that social deprivation, an area-level measure of disadvantage, has on urethral stricture recurrence after urethroplasty. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing urethral reconstruction by surgeons participating in a collaborative research group. Home zip code was used to calculate Social Deprivation Indices (SDI; 0-100), which quantifies the level of disadvantage across several sociodemographic domains collected in the American Community Survey. Patients without zip code data were excluded from the analysis. The Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to study the association between SDI and the hazard of functional recurrence, adjusting for stricture characteristics as well as age and body mass index. RESULTS: Median age was 46.0 years with a median follow up of 367 days for the 1452 men included in the study. Patients in the fourth SDI quartile (worst social deprivation) were more likely to be active smokers with traumatic and infectious strictures compared to the first SDI quartile. Patients in the fourth SDI quartile had 1.64 times the unadjusted hazard of functional stricture recurrence vs patients in the first SDI quartile (95% CI 1.04-2.59). Compared to anastomotic ± excision, substitution only repair had 1.90 times the unadjusted hazard of recurrence. The adjusted hazard of recurrence was 1.08 per 10-point increase in SDI (95% CI 1.01-1.15, P = .027). CONCLUSIONS: Patient social deprivation identifies those at higher risk for functional recurrence after anterior urethral stricture repair, offering an opportunity for preoperative counseling and postoperative surveillance. Addressing these social determinants of health can potentially improve outcomes in reconstructive surgery.

Safety and efficacy of lasers compared to cold knife in direct visual internal urethrotomy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

Cold knife urethrotome was introduced in 1971 and it had an 80% success rate. New advancements in this field have shed light on the use of various lasers such as carbon dioxide, Nd: YAG, KTP, Argon, Ho: YAG, and excimer lasers. It has been observed that cold knife urethrotomy has a higher recurrence rate than laser urethrotomy, but the superiority of either treatment modality has not been established yet. Data were thoroughly searched through PubMed, Scopus, and clinicaltrials.gov. We also used clinicaltrials.gov for ongoing and published research. The data was analyzed via R studio version 2023.12.1 (oceanstorm). For dichotomous variables, Odds Ratio (OR) were used to pool data and standardized mean difference was used for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 14 studies including 1114 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The results of the combined analysis revealed significant relation with a mean difference of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.37; 1.62), and favored laser group. The overall results have shown the laser to have a significant favorable profile demonstrating a recurrence, Odds Ratio of 0.42 (95% CI:0.27;0.65). Patients with laser therapy had a lower risk of complication rate (OR 0.49, 95% Cl: 0.35; 0.67). All the findings obtained by the analysis in this study favour lasers significantly over the cold knife technique especially when mean Qmax, with recurrence and complications taken into account.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals a Unique Fibroblastic Subset and Immune Disorder in Lichen Sclerosus Urethral Stricture.

Purpose: Lichen sclerosus urethral stricture disease (LS USD) is a refractory and progressive disease primarily affecting the anterior urethra in males. Various potential etiological factors, such as genetics, autoimmunity, infection, and exposure to infectious urine, have been suggested. However, the accurate etiology of LS in the male urethra remains unclear. Patients and Methods: In this study, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing to identify the transcriptional profiles of three patients with LS USD and three patients with non-LS USD. Immunofluorescence was used to confirm the single-cell sequence results. Results: Our study revealed distinct subsets of vein endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and fibroblasts (FBs) with high proportions in LS USD, contributing to the tissue microenvironment primarily involved in proinflammatory and immune responses. In particular, FBs displayed a unique subset, Fib7, which is exclusively present in LS USD, and exhibited high expression levels of SAA1 and SAA2. The accumulation of macrophages, along with the dysregulated ratios of M1/M2-like phenotype macrophages, may be engaged in the pathogenesis of LS USD. Through cell-cell communication analysis, we identified significant interactions involving CXCL8/ACKR1 and CCR7/CCL19 in LS USD. Remarkably, Fib7 exhibited exclusive communication with IL-1B macrophages through the SAA1/FPR2 receptor-ligand pair. Conclusion: Our study provides a profound understanding of the tissue microenvironment in LS USD, which may be valuable for understanding the pathogenesis of LS USD.

Long-Term Outcomes of Recurrent Bulbar Urethral Stricture Treatment With the Optilume Drug-Coated Balloon: Five-Year Results From the ROBUST I Study.

PURPOSE: We report the 5-year study closeout results for the ROBUST I trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Optilume drug-coated balloon (DCB) for men with short, recurrent bulbar urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult men with recurrent bulbar urethral strictures ≤ 2 cm long and lumen < 12F were included in the study and treated with the Optilume DCB. Outcome measures included symptom questionnaires, maximum urinary flow rate, postvoid residual, and freedom from repeat intervention. Functional success was defined as improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score ≥ 50% without re-treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-three men were enrolled and treated, and 31 subjects completed all follow-up. Functional success was achieved in 58% (25/43) patients at 5 years. Average International Prostate Symptom Score improved from a mean of 25.2 at baseline to 7.2 at 5 years (P < .001). Freedom from repeat intervention was maintained through 5 years at 71.7% estimated by Kaplan-Meier. Maximum urinary flow rate improved from 5.0 mL/s at baseline to 19.9 (P < .01), and average postvoid residual was reduced from 141.4 mL to 59.5 mL (P < .01) at 5 years of follow-up. Erectile function remained unaffected. There were no serious treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In this challenging cohort of men with failed prior endoscopic treatment, the Optilume DCB shows sustained improvement in subjective and objective voiding parameters at 5 years. Optilume is a safe and effective treatment option for appropriately selected men with recurrent bulbar urethral stricture who wish to avoid urethroplasty. Results are in line with the ROBUST III randomized controlled trial that will continue follow-up through 5 years. CLINICAL TRIAL NO.: : NCT03014726.

Cystitis Cystica Leading to Stricture of the Internal Urethral Orifice.

Cystitis cystica is a relatively common chronic reactive inflammatory disease caused by chronic irritation of the bladder mucosa. It is broadly considered one of the classifications of proliferative cystitis. The predilection site is the bladder trigone area, which may present with symptoms such as frequent urination, hematuria, and lower abdominal discomfort; however, it rarely causes bladder outlet obstruction. We present the case of a 59-year-old male patient suffering from incomplete urinary retention due to internal urethral orifice obstruction resulting from cystitis cystica. Following transurethral resection, the patient's dysuria rapidly improved, and the tumor did not recur.

The Effect of Botulinum Toxin (Masport) Injection Following Internal Urethrotomy of Bulbar Urethral Stricture: A Pilot Study.

The application of Botulinum toxin (Masport) in urology has a long history. We aimed to assess the effect of local Masport on improvement in patients with urethral stricture by reducing the recurrence of urethral stricture. This pilot study conducted was a double-blind randomized clinical trial with code IRCT20191222045852N1 on patients suffering from urethral stricture. Finally, 28 patients were allocated to intervention and control groups. Twelve patients received intralesional injection with Masport in addition to internal urethrotomy, while 16 patients underwent internal urethrotomy with normal saline. The Cox regression hazard model was used to evaluate the effect of treatment status on recurrence time adjusted for the age, length, and location of the stenosis, cause of the stenosis, and history of previous operations. The effect of treatment type was significant at the .05 level. The past medical history and cause of urethral stricture had a significant impact on relapse-free survival. Also, the improvement in the mean score of the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Q-max in the group with Masport was significantly different from the group with normal saline. The internal urethrotomy with intralesional injection of Masport has a better survival prognosis than internal urethrotomy with normal saline group. Therefore, the authors suggest that, given this successful initial clinical trial, consideration be given to future studies involving the use of botox in the management of urethral strictures in conjunction with internal urethrotomy.