[Causes and management for male urethral stricture].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the etiology of male urethral stricture, analyze the therapeutic strategies of urethral stricture, and summarize the complicated cases.
 Methods: The data of 183 patients with urethral stricture were retrospectively analyzed, including etiology, obstruction site, stricture length, therapeutic strategy, and related complications.
 Results: The mean age was 49.7 years, the average course was 64.7 months, and the constituent ratio of 51 to 65 years old patients was 38.8% (71/183). The traumatic injury of patients accounted for 52.4% (96/183), in which the pelvic fracture accounted for 35.5% (65/183) and the straddle injury accounted for 16.9% (31/183). There were 54 cases of iatrogenic injury (29.5%). The posterior urethral stricture accounted for 45.9% (84/183), followed by the anterior urethral stricture (44.8%, 82/183) and the stenosis (6.6%, 12/183). A total of 99 patients (54.1%) received the end to end anastomosis, and 40 (21.9%) were treated with intracavitary surgery, such as endoscopic holmium laser, cold knife incision, endoscopic electroknife scar removal, balloon dilation, and urethral dilation. In the patients over 65-years old, the urethral stricture rate was 14.8% and the complication rate (70.4%) for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was significantly higher than that of all samples (P<0.01).
 Conclusion: Both the etiology of male urethral stricture and the treatment strategy have changed and the incidence of traumatic and iatrogenic urethral stricture has increased in recent 3 years. The main treatment of urethral stricture has been transformed from endoscopic surgery into urethroplasty.

A prospective, randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of clean intermittent catheterization versus triamcinolone ointment and contractubex ointment of catheter following internal urethrotomy: long-term results.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) results in combination with triamcinolone ointment and contractubex ointment for lubrication of the catheter after optical internal urethrotomy (OIU). METHODS: Ninety patients who underwent OIU were randomized into three groups. Two weeks after operation, patients were treated with CIC (group A), triamcinolone ointment CIC (group B), and contractubex ointment CIC (group C). Follow-up continued for 24 months after the OIU. Postoperative results were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the patients or the etiology of the urethral stricture between the three groups. The mean preoperative Q max was 4.31 ml/s. The average score of preoperative international prostate symptom score (IPSS) was 23.1 points. In both groups, after treatment, significant improvements in Q max and IPSS were noted at all follow-up period (p < 0.05). But for Q max and IPSS, there were not any significant differences between groups at all follow-up period (p > 0.05). Overall recurrence rate was 28.9 % (26 out of 90 patients) at the end of the study. Recurrence rates were, however, not found to be statistically significant between these three groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the urethral dilation protocol with CIC after first OIU is a safe, simple, well-tolerated, office-based procedure. Triamcinolone or contractubex ointments of the CIC do not provide an additional benefit. Currently, urethral dilation with CIC after first OIU seems to be the only proven procedure that decreased the recurrence rate.

[Treatment of the urethral sphincter insufficiency]. / Prise en charge de l'insuffisance sphinctérienne urétrale.

The intrinsic sphincter insufficiency is a cause of stress urinary incontinence. Its definition is clinical and based on urodynamics. It is mostly met with women, in context of the post-obstetrical period or older women in a multifactorial context. For men, it occurs mainly as complication of the surgery of the cancer of prostate or bladder. An initial, clinical and paraclinical assessment allows to confirm the diagnosis of intrinsic sphincter insufficiency, to estimate its severity, and to identify associated mechanisms of incontinence (urethral hypermobility, bladder overactivity) to choose the most adapted treatment. The perineal reeducation is the treatment of first intention in both sexes. At the menopausal woman, the local hormonotherapy is a useful additive. In case of failure or of incomplete efficiency, the treatment of the intrinsic sphincter insufficiency is surgical. Bulking agents, urethral slings, peri-urethral balloons and artificial sphincter are 4 therapeutic options to discuss according to history, the severity of the incontinence, the expectations of the patient.

Urethral stripping caused by stent removal and its successful treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a case report.

Urethral stents usually provide initial, dramatic relief from obstructive voiding symptoms. However, complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections, stent migration, encrustation and recurrent urethral strictures are not rare, and stents should be removed when complications occur. Urethral stent removal is associated with potential risks of urethral injury, bleeding and external sphincter trauma. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) accelerates wound healing by increasing tissue microcirculation, decreasing capillary pressure and resolving tissue edema. Although HBO has been used in various urologic applications, there is no report of HBO therapy being used to treat isolated urethral injuries. Here we present a case of urethral stripping caused by endoscopic stent removal, and its conservative treatment with HBO therapy.

Use of a new local anesthesia--intracorpus spongiosum anesthesia--in procedures on anterior urethra.

BACKGROUND: Urologists often perform procedures on anterior urethra, which is one of the most sensitive parts in male patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of intracorpus spongiosum anesthesia during procedures on anterior urethra in the outpatient clinic. METHODS: A dosage of 3 mL of 1% lidocaine was slowly injected into the glans penis of 51 male patients. Immediately following injection, they underwent different procedures on anterior urethra. The subjective experience of pain in the patients was assessed by questionnaire according to a pain scale. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (92.16%, 47/51) had zero pain and four cases (7.84%) had either minor or moderate discomfort, which was limited and tolerable. The anesthetic effect is immediate and has been very satisfactory. All the procedures (mean duration, 33 min), were successfully completed under the intracorpus spongiosum anesthesia. The act of injection into the glans caused instantaneous minor pain in 45 patients (88.23%, 45/51), moderate pain in four patients and no pain in two patients. There were no serious complications with this anesthetic technique, although two cases had instantaneous trance during injection of lidocaine. CONCLUSIONS: Minor procedures on anterior urethra in an outpatient setting with intracorpus spongiosum anesthesia are generally painless, safe, simple, successful and inexpensive compared to those performed in a hospital.

Prediction of genitourinary tract morbidity after brachytherapy for prostate adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether preoperative genitourinary variables in patients undergoing brachytherapy for localized prostate adenocarcinoma could predict postoperative genitourinary tract morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 105 men who received either iodine 125 or palladium 103 radioactive seed implants with or without external beam radiotherapy or hormone blockade from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2000, at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. Patients with one or more of the following were classified as having a high risk of postoperative genitourinary tract morbidity: American Urological Association symptom scores greater than 15, maximum urinary flow rate less than 10 mL/s, postvoid residual urinary volume greater than 100 mL, or prostate volume greater than 40 cm3. Of the 105 men, 59 (56%) were classified as high risk and 46 (44%) as low risk. Mean follow-up after brachytherapy was 23.6 months. Modified Radiation Therapy Oncology Group scores were used to assess postoperative genitourinary tract morbidity. The term significant genitourinary tract morbidity was applied to patients with a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade of 3 or 4 after at least 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Significant morbidity occurred in 37% of high-risk vs 15% of low-risk patients (P = .006). In high-risk patients, transurethral resection or incision of the prostate was required in 5 patients, urethral dilation in 4, direct-vision internal urethrotomy in 1, and placement of a suprapubic catheter in 1. In low-risk patients, transurethral incision of the prostate was required in only 1 patient. Urinary flow rate was a significant individual predictor of postoperative morbidity (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of urinary flow rate, prostate volume, postvoid residual urinary volume, and American Urological Association symptom score can help identify patients with underlying voiding dysfunction. Urinary flow rate was a statistically significant predictor of genitourinary tract morbidity after brachytherapy for localized prostate adenocarcinoma. Patients and physicians should consider these factors before a patient decides to undergo brachytherapy.

Selective block of urethral sphincter contraction using a modified Brindley electrode in sacral anterior root stimulation of the dog.

AIMS: Patients with spinal cord injury often present with dysfunction of urinary bladder and urethral sphincter. One treatment option is sacral rhizotomy and sacral anterior root stimulation with the Finetech Brindley stimulator. However, a major disadvantage is the lack of selective stimulation, resulting in simultaneous contraction of sphincter and bladder followed by unphysiological micturition. This study investigated the possibility of selective bladder stimulation by using a Brindley electrode. METHODS: In 11 male anaesthetized foxhounds, a complete posterior rhizotomy was perormed. The anterior S2 roots were stimulated with different quasi-trapezoidal (QT) pulses (pulse length range, 600-1,400 microsec; stimulation current, 0.1-2.0 mA; frequency, 20 Hz) by using a tripolar Brindley electrode. Sphincter and bladder pressures were measured urodynamically. RESULTS: All 11 animals showed a maximal reduction of the highest sphincter pressure over 80%, and in 6 of 11 trials, the sphincter pressure was inhibited completely (100%). With stimulations at maximal sphincter blockade, the average achievable bladder pressure was 33.48 cm H(2)O higher than the average sphincter pressure, and in three cases, a strong micturition was observed. Selective blockade of the sphincter was possible by applying QT pulses. The bladders remained uninfluenced by this blockade and kept their excitability at any time. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that selective bladder stimulation with little or no coactivation of the sphincter is possible. A physiological micturition can be achieved by using a tripolar Brindley electrode. Introduction of this stimulation technique into clinical practice should not face major difficulties, considering that the device is an established electrode.

The dosimetry of prostate brachytherapy-induced urethral strictures.

PURPOSE: There is a paucity of data regarding the incidence of urethral strictures after prostate brachytherapy. In this study, we evaluate multiple clinical, treatment, and dosimetric parameters to identify factors associated with the development of brachytherapy-induced urethral strictures. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 425 patients underwent transperineal ultrasound-guided prostate brachytherapy using either (103)Pd or (125)I for clinical T1b/T3a NxM0 (1997, American Joint Committee on Cancer) adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland from April 1995 to October 1999. No patient was lost to follow-up. 221 patients were implanted with (103)Pd and 204 patients with (125)I. The median patient age was 68 years (range 48-81 years). The median follow-up was 35.2 months (range 15-72 months). Follow-up was calculated from the day of implantation. Thirteen patients developed brachytherapy-induced strictures, and all strictures involved the membranous urethra. A control group of 35 patients was rigorously matched to the stricture patients in terms of treatment approach; i.e., choice of isotope, plus or minus radiation therapy, and plus or minus hormonal manipulation. Nine of the 13 stricture patients had detailed Day 0 urethral dosimetry available for review. The apex of the prostate gland and the membranous urethra were defined by CT evaluation. Urethral dosimetry was reported for the prostatic urethra, the apical slice of the prostate gland, and the membranous urethra which was defined as extending 20 mm in length. RESULTS: The 5-year actuarial risk of a urethral stricture was 5.3%, with a median time to development of 26.6 months (range 7.8-44.1 months). Of multiple clinical and treatment parameters evaluated, only the duration of hormonal manipulation (>4 months, p = 0.011) was predictive for the development of a urethral stricture. The radiation dose to the membranous urethra was significantly greater in patients with strictures than those without: 97.6% +/- 20.8% vs. 81.0% +/- 19.8% of prescribed minimum prostate dose, mPD (p = 0.031). The urethral dose 20 mm distal to the prostate apex was 57.6% +/- 23.8% vs. 31.5% +/- 13.9% of mPD for the stricture and control patients, respectively (p = 0.011). In addition, the extent of the 75% mPD and 50% mPD levels beyond the prostatic apex was also significantly greater for stricture patients, 16.6 +/- 5.3 mm vs. 11.9 +/- 4.5 mm (p = 0.010) and 19.0 +/- 3.2 mm vs. 16.0 +/- 3.4 mm (p = 0.021), respectively. Dose to the prostatic urethra was not predictive of stricture, but the magnitude and extent of high-dose regions within the prostate were predictive of stricture. Twelve of the 13 patients who developed urethral strictures were successfully managed by dilatation/transurethral incision. To date, 1 of the 12 patients has required a second dilatation. The remaining patient developed an iatrogenic induced injury and was catheter-dependent for 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: After prostate brachytherapy, the actuarial 5-year incidence of urethral strictures is 5.3% with a median time to development of 26.6 months. All strictures involved the membranous urethra and occurred within the first 44 months after brachytherapy. In most cases, membranous urethral strictures are easily managed with dilatation/incision. Factors predicting for the development of a urethral stricture included the magnitude and extent of high-dose regions within the prostate, the mean membranous urethra dose and the dose 20 mm distal to the prostatic apex, the maximum extent along the membranous urethra of certain dose levels, and the duration of hormonal manipulation.

Low-power holmium laser for the management of urinary tract calculi, structures, and tumors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Introduction of the holmium laser has provided an indispensable tool for the management of urinary tract stones, strictures, and superficial urothelial tumors. While full-power holmium lasers are required for laser resection of the prostate, lower-power devices can be utilized for all cases of stone fragmentation and stricture incision and most cases of superficial urothelial tumors. Herein, we report our initial experience in utilizing a low-power holmium laser in our endourologic practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a 6-month period, we have utilized both low-power (25 W) and full-power (80 W) holmium lasers to fragment urinary tract stones, incise ureteral or urethral strictures, and ablate superficial urothelial tumors. A series of 80 consecutive patients were assessed prospectively. Laser fibers with a diameter of 200 microm and 365 microm were employed with power settings of 6.4 to 10 W. Laser fiber size and power settings were similar for the low- and full-power devices. RESULTS: Overall, 95% of the stones were completely fragmented, with a stone-free rate at 3 months of 92%. All strictures were incised, with a 91% patency rate at 3 months. Complete tumor ablation was attained in 70%, with a tumor-free rate of 60% at 3 months. Results were equivalent for the low- and full-power lasers. The 200-microm laser fiber allowed adequate access throughout the upper urinary tract during flexible ureteroscopy and flexible nephroscopy. The 365-microm laser fiber was employed via rigid and semirigid endoscopes. CONCLUSIONS: A low-power holmium laser supplies adequate fragmentation and incision power for virtually all endourologic cases. It also provides ablative power in most situations. The only current urologic application that cannot be performed with the low-power device is laser prostatic resection, which requires 60 to 80 W of power. The reduced-power holmium laser should be considered as a low-cost alternative for the management of urinary tract stones, strictures, and urothelial tumors, especially in centers where laser prostatic resection is not performed.

Uretrotomia interna en el tratamiento de la estenosis de uretra bulbar (EUB) / Internal urethrotomy as a treatment of the bulbar urethral stricture

Objetivo: Determinar el porcentaje de reestenosis posterior al tratamiento de la EUB con uretrotomía interna. Material y Métodos: Fueron tratados un total de 31 pacientes portadores de EUB cuya longitud fuera igual o menor de 0,5 cm, en los cuales el seguimiento promedio fue de 25,3 meses. Se excluyeron aquellos con áreas de espongiofibrosis, tratamiento previo por su estenosis o en tratamiento por carcinoma transicional de vejiga. En al 90 por ciento de los casos el procedimiento se realizó en forma ambulatoria bajo anestesia local. Resultados: El 58 por ciento de los pacientes presentaromn estenosis postoperatorias en un tiempo promedio de 5,4 meses. La distribución del tiempo de estenosis mostró una curva bimodal en el primer y cuarto trimestre, detectándose el 83 por ciento de las recurrencias dentro del primer año. El 100 por ciento de los pacientes que fueron tratados nuevamnete con uretrotomía interna (n:10) sufrieron reestenosis en el primer trimestre del postoperatorio. Conclusión: Aun en popblaciones altamente seleccionadas como la presente, el porcentaje de reestenosis es cvonsiderable, debiendo extenderse el seguimiento de los pacientes a largo plazo. El empleo reiterado de la uretrotomía interna en el tratamiento de la EUB res uina opción desaconsejable como tratamiento definitivo en poblaciones similares a las estudiadas. El empleo de anestesia local y manejo ambulatorio de estos pacientes debe ser considerado

Uretrotomia interna en el tratamiento de la estenosis de uretra bulbar (EUB) / Internal urethrotomy as a treatment of the bulbar urethral stricture

Objetivo: Determinar el porcentaje de reestenosis posterior al tratamiento de la EUB con uretrotomía interna. Material y Métodos: Fueron tratados un total de 31 pacientes portadores de EUB cuya longitud fuera igual o menor de 0,5 cm, en los cuales el seguimiento promedio fue de 25,3 meses. Se excluyeron aquellos con áreas de espongiofibrosis, tratamiento previo por su estenosis o en tratamiento por carcinoma transicional de vejiga. En al 90 por ciento de los casos el procedimiento se realizó en forma ambulatoria bajo anestesia local. Resultados: El 58 por ciento de los pacientes presentaromn estenosis postoperatorias en un tiempo promedio de 5,4 meses. La distribución del tiempo de estenosis mostró una curva bimodal en el primer y cuarto trimestre, detectándose el 83 por ciento de las recurrencias dentro del primer año. El 100 por ciento de los pacientes que fueron tratados nuevamnete con uretrotomía interna (n:10) sufrieron reestenosis en el primer trimestre del postoperatorio. Conclusión: Aun en popblaciones altamente seleccionadas como la presente, el porcentaje de reestenosis es cvonsiderable, debiendo extenderse el seguimiento de los pacientes a largo plazo. El empleo reiterado de la uretrotomía interna en el tratamiento de la EUB res uina opción desaconsejable como tratamiento definitivo en poblaciones similares a las estudiadas. El empleo de anestesia local y manejo ambulatorio de estos pacientes debe ser considerado(AU)

Interventional radiology of the lower urinary tract and its relationship to surgical treatment.

Interventional radiological techniques of the lower genitourinary (GU) tract are large and varied and continue to expand because of technological advances and also because budgetary restraints are being placed on our medical society. This has stimulated continuous search for alternative ways of treating disease in a more cost-effective fashion. As a result, there has been an overall decrease in morbidity and mortality, as well as postprocedural incapacity. We review the most important and newest modalities and provide some background of the processes affecting the lower GU tract.

[Urethral stricture. A history. From antiquity to the 18th century]. / Rétrécissement de l'urètre. Historique. De l'antiquité au XVIIIe siècle.

Long undistinguished from the other causes of lower urinary tract obstruction, stenosis of the urethra was truly individualized only in the XVIIIth century. Throughout this long history, treatment opposed repeated dilatations, capable of maintaining an acceptable urethral caliber, and methods aimed at directly destroying the stenosis, thereby ensuring permanent recovery.

Urethral narrowing and its treatment: a possible solution for the problems of recurrent urinary infection and the "irritable bladder".

A surgical treatment for longstanding urinary and pelvic complaints of women is described and evaluated. The procedure includes urethral dilatation to 40 F and "snowplowing" (dull curettage) of urethral, bladder neck, and trigonal mucosa with the heel of the cystoscope, removing granulated tissue, polyps, and villous fronds, and unroofing infected periurethral glands. Vigorous urethral massage is performed, and the patient is hospitalized overnight with large-catheter drainage to continue dilatation. Follow-up dilatations in the office are essential. The procedure was evaluated by comparing presenting and post-treatment symptoms for each patient and by asking each patient to rate the effectiveness of the treatment. Results suggest that treatment is very effective, with 80 per cent of respondents rating it either excellent or good.

Bladder pillar block anesthesia for urethral dilatation in women.

This report describes an adaptation of the bladder pillar block anesthetic technique for use during routine urethral dilatation for treatment of the urethral syndrome or urethral stenosis in women. Only 10% of patients experienced sufficient discomfort to require cessation of dilatation prior to reaching a calibration of 38 F.