Optimizing anterior urethral stricture assessment: leveraging AI-assisted three-dimensional sonourethrography in clinical practice.

PURPOSE: This investigation sought to validate the clinical precision and practical applicability of AI-enhanced three-dimensional sonographic imaging for the identification of anterior urethral stricture. METHODS: The study enrolled 63 male patients with diagnosed anterior urethral strictures alongside 10 healthy volunteers to serve as controls. The imaging protocol utilized a high-frequency 3D ultrasound system combined with a linear stepper motor, which enabled precise and rapid image acquisition. For image analysis, an advanced AI-based segmentation process using a modified U-net algorithm was implemented to perform real-time, high-resolution segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction of the urethra. A comparative analysis was performed against the surgically measured stricture lengths. Spearman's correlation analysis was executed to assess the findings. RESULTS: The AI model completed the entire processing sequence, encompassing recognition, segmentation, and reconstruction, within approximately 5 min. The mean intraoperative length of urethral stricture was determined to be 14.4 ± 8.4 mm. Notably, the mean lengths of the urethral strictures reconstructed by manual and AI models were 13.1 ± 7.5 mm and 13.4 ± 7.2 mm, respectively. Interestingly, no statistically significant disparity in urethral stricture length between manually reconstructed and AI-reconstructed images was observed. Spearman's correlation analysis underscored a more robust association of AI-reconstructed images with intraoperative urethral stricture length than manually reconstructed 3D images (0.870 vs. 0.820). Furthermore, AI-reconstructed images provided detailed views of the corpus spongiosum fibrosis from multiple perspectives. CONCLUSIONS: The research heralds the inception of an innovative, efficient AI-driven sonographic approach for three-dimensional visualization of urethral strictures, substantiating its viability and superiority in clinical application.

[Modified urethral reconstruction with lingual mucosa for complicated anterior urethral stricture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficiency and complications of modified urethral reconstruction with lingual mucosa in the treatment of complicated anterior urethral stricture (CAUS). METHODS: We retrospectively studied the clinical data on 10 cases of CAUS treated by modified urethral reconstruction with lingual mucosa from December 2017 to June 2019 concerning the age of the patients and the causes, location and length of urethral stricture. We statistically analyzed the pre- and post-operative maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), scores on Mental Status Scale in Non-psychiatric Settings (MSSNS) and quality of life (QOL) scores and observed post-operative complications such as abnormal taste, tongue numbness, urinary tract infection, urethral diverticulum, and urethral stricture. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, Qmax was significantly improved and the MSSNS and QOL scores dramatically decreased at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery (P < 0.01). Paraurethral infection developed in 1 case postoperatively, which was cured after dressing change, external urethral orifice stenosis occurred in another, which was improved after regular urethral orifice expansion, and mild tongue numbness was found in 2 cases at 1 month but gradually restored to abnormal. Urethrography showed no urethral diverticulum before catheter removal. CONCLUSIONS: Lingual mucosa is an ideal alternative material for urethral reconstruction in the treatment of CAUS, and lateral lingual mucosa can be easily obtained. Modified urethral reconstruction by embedding lingual mucosa in the dorsal base of the urethra, with the advantages of definite effectiveness and few postoperative complications, is worthy of clinical application.

Surgical treatment of pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects in boys: which approach is suitable?

Pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects (PFUDDs) are relatively infrequent in boys, and treatment for PFUDDs presents one of the most difficult problems in urological practice. Anastomotic urethroplasty is considered an ideal surgical procedure for PFUDDs in boys. However, various surgical approaches for anastomotic urethroplasty have been proposed, including a simple transperineal approach, a transperineal intercorporal septal separation approach, a transperineal inferior pubic approach, and a combined transpubic-perineal approach. This study aims to determine which surgical approach is best for PFUDDs in boys. We retrospectively identified 22 boys with PFUDDs aged 2-14 years who underwent anastomotic urethroplasty via different approaches between January 2008 and December 2017. Follow-up was performed in all the 22 patients for 6-123 (mean: 52.0) months. Finally, 20 of the 22 boys (90.9%) were successfully treated, including 1 of 2 patients treated with a simple transperineal approach, 3 of 3 with a transperineal approach with intercorporal septal separation, 14 of 15 with a transperineal inferior pubic approach, and 2 of 2 with a combined transpubic-perineal approach. Two patients had failed outcomes after the operation, and stenosis recurred. Based on the outcome of the 22 patients, we can draw a preliminary conclusion that most boys (20/22) can be treated with a transperineal inferior pubic approach or simpler procedures without the need of completely removing or incising the pubis. The combined transpubic-perineal approach can be used in cases of extremely long urethral distract defects.

Laparoscopic T-Plasty for the Treatment of Refractory Bladder Neck Stenosis.

Preliminary results of a case series on refractory bladder neck stenosis treated with laparoscopic T-plasty are presented in this article. This study retrospectively identified nine patients with refractory bladder neck stenosis aged 60 to 80 years between May 2016 and December 2017, who had undergone laparoscopic T-plasty. All patients presented voiding difficulty and failed after two or more prior endoscopic treatments. Laparoscopic T-plasty was performed by incising the anterior wall of the bladder neck in a T-shaped manner and creating two well-vascularized and tension-free flaps, which offer the possibility to reconstruct a wide bladder neck. After a mean follow-up of 14.7 months (ranging 3-22 months), a successful outcome was achieved in eight patients without incontinence secondary to surgery. Recurrent voiding difficulty developed in one patient, which was cured after a following endoscopic treatment. Through these nine patients, a preliminary conclusion can be drawn that a wider bladder neck can be obtained through modified YV-reconstruction of the bladder neck, while avoiding external urethral sphincter injury. And laparoscopic T-plasty has clear advantages compared with an open approach. It is an available and effective option for refractory bladder neck stenosis.

Penoscrotal Transposition to Achieve Urethral Continuity After Long-Segment Urethral Defect: A Case Report.

Penoscrotal transposition and pendulous-prostatic anastomotic urethroplasty for the treatment of long-segment bulbar and membranous urethral stenosis is rarely reported. This study reports the case of a 43-year-old man with dysuria resulting from pelvic fracture. The patient had a long-term history of multiple urethral reconstructions and presented a long-segment bulbar and membranous urethral stenosis at imaging. Penoscrotal transposition and pendulous-prostatic anastomotic urethroplasty was performed and completed in 170 min (blood loss: 400 ml). Postoperative treatment was uneventful with favorable short-term outcomes and high patient satisfaction without recurrence at 12-month follow-up. This surgical technique should be attempted in carefully selected patients with long-segment bulbar and membranous urethral stenosis and performed by an experienced urethral reconstruction specialist.

Substitution urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture repair: comparison between lingual mucosa graft and pedicled skin flap.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and outcomes of lingual mucosa graft (LMG) urethroplasty versus pedicled skin flap (PSF) urethroplasty in the repair of anterior urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study in one urological center examined 293 male patients with anterior urethral strictures who received substitution urethroplasty from 2006 to 2015. Of these, 199 patients received PSF urethroplasty and 94 received LMG urethroplasty. The causes of stricture included catheter damage, transurethral instrumentation, trauma, infection, tumor and radiotherapy. Strictures caused by lichen sclerosus, hypospadias repair or failed urethroplasty were excluded. The success rate of PSF versus LMG in different urethra positions was analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, PSF and LMG had similar success rates (83.4% vs 85.1%, p = 0.713). In distal penile urethra, penile skin flaps and LMG achieved similar success rates (87.7% vs 82.1%, p = 0.297), but in proximal penile urethra, scrotal flaps had relatively low success rates (69.0% vs LMG 83.3%, p = 0.345) and in bulbar urethra, perineal skin flaps had significantly lower success rates than LMG (66.7% vs 92.3%, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Lingual mucosa is a good material for the repair of urethral defects and achieves results similar to or even better than those of PSF. Scrotal skin and perineal skin had lower success rates.

Effectiveness of Solifenacin for Managing of Bladder Spasms in Patients With Urethroplasty.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of solifenacin in the treatment of bladder spasms after urethroplasty. Patients underwent urethroplasty were randomly assigned to the study group ( n = 165) and the control group ( n = 150). Patients in the study group were treated with solifenacin for 7 days. Patients in the control group were placebo. Each group was further divided into four subgroups: paracentetic suprapubic cystostomy subgroup, traditional suprapubic cystostomy subgroup, former suprapubic cystostomy subgroup, and urethral catheter subgroup. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure the severity of bladder spasms. The mean duration of spasms, the frequency of spasms, and the incidences of urine extravasation and radiating pain were recorded each day. There were no significant differences in the VAS scores and mean duration of bladder spasms between the study and control groups . However, there was a significantly lower VAS score in the patients taking solifenacin in the paracentetic suprapubic cystostomy subgroup ( p < .05). A similar tendency was noted in the mean duration of bladder spasms in this subgroup. In a comparison of the daily and nightly frequency of spasms within the four subgroups, a significant improvement was noted in the control group within 5 days. A similar difference was not noted within 6 days in the study group. The short-term therapy with solifenacin is an effective and safe method for decreasing the frequency of bladder spasms after urethroplasty. Patients undergoing paracentetic suprapubic cystostomy might be the only subset to benefit from this treatment.

Intermediate-Term Outcomes and Complications of Long Segment Urethroplasty with Lingual Mucosa Grafts.

PURPOSE: We evaluated outcomes and donor site complications in male patients with complex urethral strictures who underwent urethroplasty using with long strip oral mucosal grafts. We also analyzed whether a lingual mucosa graft is a good substitute for repairing long segment urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was done in 81 male patients with complex urethral strictures who underwent oral mucosal graft urethroplasty. Patients with long segment (8 cm or greater) anterior urethral strictures who were considered candidates for long strip lingual mucosa graft urethroplasty were included in study. RESULTS: Oral mucosal graft urethroplasty was performed in 81 patients with complex urethral strictures between August 2006 and December 2014. Mean urethral stricture length was 12.1 cm (range 8 to 20). A single 9 to 12 cm long strip lingual mucosa graft was used in 52 patients, a lingual mucosa graft greater than 12 cm was placed in 17 and a lingual mucosa graft combined with a buccal mucosal graft was used in 12. Mean followup was 41 months (range 15 to 86) postoperatively. The overall urethroplasty success rate was 82.7%. Urethral complications developed in 14 patients (17.3%), including urethral strictures in 10 and urethrocutaneous fistulas in 4. At 12 months 5 patients (6.2%) reported minimal difficulty with fine motor movement of the tongue. CONCLUSIONS: Lingual mucosa harvested from the ventrolateral surface of the tongue can provide a wide and long graft that is an excellent urethral substitute. Donor site complications are primarily limited to postoperative year 1. Our study confirms that the lingual mucosa graft is a good substitute for urethral reconstruction and lingual mucosa graft urethroplasty is a valuable procedure to treat long anterior urethral strictures.

Etiology and Management of Male Iatrogenic Urethral Stricture: Retrospective Analysis of 172 Cases in a Single Medical Center.

PURPOSE: To investigate the etiology and management of male iatrogenic urethral stricture in China. METHODS: The data of 172 patients with iatrogenic urethral stricture who underwent treatment at a high volume reference center in China from January 2008 to February 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Databases were analyzed to understand the impact of different types of iatrogenic injury on stricture location, length and treatment of urethral strictures, as well as success rates. RESULTS: The most common type of iatrogenic stricture was urethral instrumentations in 80 patients (46.51%). Mean stricture length was 3.3 ± 2.54 cm and the longest strictures were those caused by intravesical instillation. Substitution urethroplasty was the most common intervention and was performed in 60.47% (104/172) of patients. The overall success rate was 85.00% (136/160). Univariable analyses revealed that the type of iatrogenic injury was significantly related to restenosis (p = 0.036), and it is more apt to postoperative restenosis in the type of intravesical instillation than others. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that urethral instrumentation is the most common etiology of iatrogenic urethral stricture, and most iatrogenic urethral strictures involve the anterior urethra. The different etiologies are closely associated with stricture location, length and the overall prognosis of urethral strictures.

One-stage dorsal lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty for the treatment of failed hypospadias repair.

The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the outcomes of patients who underwent one-stage onlay or inlay urethroplasty using a lingual mucosal graft (LMG) after failed hypospadias repairs. Inclusion criteria included a history of failed hypospadias repair, insufficiency of the local skin that made a reoperation with skin flaps difficult, and necessity of an oral mucosal graft urethroplasty. Patients were excluded if they had undergone a failed hypospadias repair using the foreskin or a multistage repair urethroplasty. Between January 2008 and December 2012, 110 patients with failed hypospadias repairs were treated in our center. Of these patients, 56 underwent a one-stage onlay or inlay urethroplasty using LMG. The median age was 21.8 years (range: 4-45 years). Of the 56 patients, one-stage onlay LMG urethroplasty was performed in 42 patients (group 1), and a modified Snodgrass technique using one-stage inlay LMG urethroplasty was performed in 14 (group 2). The median LMG urethroplasty length was 5.6 ± 1.6 cm (range: 4-13 cm). The mean follow-up was 34.7 months (range: 10-58 months), and complications developed in 12 of 56 patients (21.4%), including urethrocutaneous fistulas in 7 (6 in group 1, 1 in group 2) and neourethral strictures in 5 (4 in group 1, 1 in group 2). The total success rate was 78.6%. Our survey suggests that one-stage onlay or inlay urethroplasty with LMG may be an effective option to treat the patients with less available skin after failed hypospadias repairs; LMG harvesting is easy and safe, irrespective of the patient's age.

Factors that influence the outcome of open urethroplasty for pelvis fracture urethral defect (PFUD): an observational study from a single high-volume tertiary care center.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical features of pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) and assess the real effect of factors that are believed to have adverse effects on delayed urethroplasty. METHODS: An observational descriptive study in a single urological center examined 376 male patients diagnosed with PFUI who underwent open urethroplasty from 2009 to 2013. Analyzed factors included patient age at the time of injury, etiology of PFUI, type of emergency treatment, concomitant injuries, length and position of stricture, type of urethroplasty and the outcome of surgery. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied, together with analytical statistic methods such as t test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: The overall success rate of delayed urethroplasty was 80.6 %. Early realignment was associated with reduced stricture length and had beneficial effect on delayed surgery. Concomitant rectum rupture, strictures longer than 1.6 cm and strictures closer than 3 cm to the bladder neck were indicators of poor outcome. Age, type of injury, urethral fistula and bladder rupture were not significant predicators of surgery outcome. Failed direct vision internal urethrotomy and urethroplasty had no significant influence on salvage operation. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of posterior urethroplasty is affected by multiple factors. Early realignment has beneficial effect; while the length and position of stricture and its distance to bladder neck plays the key role, rectum rupture at the time of injury is also an indicator of poor outcome. The effect of other factors seems insignificant.

The relationship between erectile function and complex panurethral stricture: a preliminary investigative and descriptive study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate erectile function in patients with panurethral stricture after urethral reconstruction. Totally, 65 patients were enrolled. Different urethral reconstructions were performed according to the details of urethral strictures. The erectile function was evaluated before and after surgery. The length and location of stricture and duration from initial diagnosis to operation were recorded. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores, the quality of life (QoL) scores and the maximal flow rate were obtained before and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. A significant improvement in QoL and maximal flow rate was observed 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery compared with those observed before surgery (P < 0.05). An impairment of erectile function was observed in patients with multi-site stricture 3 months after surgery (P < 0.05). Subsequently, these patients recovered 6 and 12 months after surgery. Three months after surgery, the IIEF-5 scores in patients with anterior urethral stricture were higher than those with multi-site stricture. Similar results were observed 6 and 12 months after surgery. No significant difference in age or duration from initial diagnosis to final operation was observed between patients with erectile dysfunction after surgery and patients with normal erectile function. However, a linear regressive relationship was detected between IIEF-5 scores and location of urethral stricture. Surgical reconstruction for treating panurethral strictures has limited effects on erectile function. The location of the stricture, particularly when extended to posterior urethra, was found to be associated with erectile function after surgery.

Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome in juveniles and adults with female phenotypes.

AIM: To report on six cases of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and a review of the relevant published work. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of a total of six patients with CAIS who were admitted to our hospital between September 1985 and June 2012. All surgical patients were examined for sex chromosomes and sex hormone levels pre- and postoperatively, respectively, and underwent lower abdominal B ultrasounds and pathological examinations among other tests. RESULTS: Five of the patients were treated with castration, one patient aged 5 years was treated conservatively Tissue from surgical resections showed normal testicular tissue that comprised Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, and pathological examinations showed no sign of testicular cancer. Following corrective operations, postoperative complications, such as female secondary sexual characteristics, stagnation and osteoporosis, have not developed. Sex hormone level ratio changed significantly after being treated with castration compared with preoperative levels; mainly testosterone and estrogen decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone significantly increased (P < 0.05). However, prolactin did not change significantly (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study show that removal of the testes in CAIS patients after puberty is safe and reliable. Meanwhile, it is essential to provide a hormone drug after being treated with castration. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and the quality of life for CAIS patients.

Crosstalk between TGF-ß1 and CXCR3 signaling during urethral fibrosis.

Urethral fibrosis is an important pathological feature of urethral stricture. TGF-ß1 and CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) signaling have been reported as the critical pathways involved in the pathology of fibrosis. Here, we collected the urine samples from the patients with recurring urethral stricture, recurring stricture treated by cystostomy, and age- and gender-matched healthy people. ELISA detection revealed that TGF-ß1 level was significantly up-regulated for the urethral stricture patients. By contrast, flow cytometry, real-time PCR detection, and immunofluoresecent staining showed that urethral stricture resulted in decreased expression of CXCR3. TGF-ß1 treatment could increase cell proliferation and migration ability of urethra fibroblasts, whereas IP-10/CXCR3 signaling showed the opposite effect. Further, we found a crosstalk between TGF-ß1 and CXCR3 signaling in the regulation of urethral fibrosis. Thus, pharmacological intervention of TGF-ß1 or CXCR3 signaling has a potential as the therapeutic target for the prevention of urethral fibrosis.

CT virtual cystourethroscopy for complex urethral strictures: an investigative, descriptive study.

PURPOSE: To compare the values of CT virtual cystourethroscopy and of conventional cystourethroscopy in diagnosing complex urethral strictures. METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2012, 33 patients, suspected of having complex urethral strictures before operation, were enrolled in this study. After CT scanning, a virtual cystourethroscopic view was software-generated. Conventional cystourethroscopy was also used before operation. The time durations of virtual cystourethroscopy and conventional cystourethroscopy were recorded. The accuracies of both techniques were compared using the actual findings from the operation. RESULTS: For 16 patients suffering from urethral strictures associated with various fistulas, the duration of examination with virtual cystourethroscopy was statistically significantly shorter than with conventional cystourethroscopy (P < 0.001). The detection rate of fistula by virtual cystourethroscopy was similar to than by conventional cystourethroscopy (P = 0.057). The same results were obtained in eight patients suffering from urethral strictures associated with false passages. Only virtual cystourethroscopy could reveal the details of the urethral lumen in nine patients suffering from long anterior urethral strictures caused by lichen sclerosus. By contrast, conventional cystourethroscopy failed in those same patients. CONCLUSION: CT virtual cystourethroscopy is a useful technique for the diagnosis of urethral disease, especially in male patients suffering from complex urethral strictures.

Outcome of 1-stage urethroplasty using oral mucosal grafts for the treatment of urethral strictures associated with genital lichen sclerosus.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome of 1-stage urethroplasty using lingual mucosal grafts (LMGs) and buccal mucosal grafts (BMGs) for the treatment of male urethral strictures associated with genital lichen sclerosus (LS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive, observational retrospective study of male patients with urethral strictures who underwent 1-stage mucosal graft urethroplasty using different substitute materials for reconstructive urethral surgery. Study inclusion criteria were patients with histologically proven LS presenting with urethral strictures. Exclusion criteria were patients without histologically proven LS, traumatic strictures, failed hypospadias, and malignant lesions. Successful reconstruction was defined as normal voiding with a peak flow >12 mL/s, no obstructive symptoms, and no postoperative procedure, including dilation. RESULTS: Between January 2003 and December 2011, urethral strictures in 54 patients were considered associated with genital LS according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 36 underwent 1-stage urethroplasty using oral mucosal grafts. The median age was 52 years (range, 32-80 years). The median stricture length was 12.5 ± 1.6 cm (range, 6-18 cm). One-stage single-sided dorsal LMG urethroplasty was performed in 22 of 36 patients. The remaining 14 patients received the same procedure combined with dual BMGs (n = 5) or with LMG combined with BMG (n = 9). The success rate was 88.9%. Postoperative urinary fistula occurred in 1 patient, and meatal stenosis developed in 3 patients. Mean follow-up was 38.7 months (range, 12-110 months). CONCLUSION: Our survey suggests that 1-stage urethroplasty with single or combined LMGs or BMGs may be an effective option to treat urethral stricture associated with LS.

Recurrence and complications after transperineal bulboprostatic anastomosis for posterior urethral strictures resulting from pelvic fracture: a retrospective study from a urethral referral centre.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the complications of transperineal end-to-end anastomotic urethroplasty in patients with posterior urethral strictures resulting from pelvic fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 573 patients, who underwent bulboprostatic anastomosis for posterior urethral strictures, were enrolled in this study. Distraction defects were measured using retrograde urethrography combined with voiding cysto-urethrography. All patients underwent perineal excision and primary anastomotic urethroplasty. The urethroplasty was considered successful if the patient was free of stricture-related obstruction and did not require any further intervention. The degree of stress incontinence was assessed daily by pad testing. The prevalence of pre- and postoperative sexual disorders was investigated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 573 bulboprostatic anastomosis procedures performed, 504 (88%) were successful and 69 (12%) were not successful. The mean (sd) maximum urinary flow rate, assessed by uroflowmetry 4 weeks after surgery, was 20.52 (5.1) mL/s. Intraoperative rectal injury was repaired primarily in 28 cases. Recurrence of urethral strictures was observed in 10 (1.7%) patients during the first 6 months after surgery, and in 45 patients from 6 months to 1 year. All of these patients underwent re-operation. Twenty-four (4.2%) patients had mild urge incontinence and 28 (4.9%) had mild stress incontinence. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was present in two (<0.1%) patients before trauma and in 487 (85%) patients after trauma. There was no statistical difference between the incidences of preoperative and postoperative ED (85 vs 86%, P > 0.05). Nine (1%) patients were found to have false passage between the posterior urethra and bladder neck. CONCLUSION: The majority of complications associated with transperineal bulboprostatic anastomosis can be avoided as long as meticulous preoperative evaluation to define the anatomy and careful intra-operative manipulation are ensured.

The relationship between erectile dysfunction and open urethroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Various urethroplasty techniques have been used to treat urethral stricture. Whether the patient erectile function is affected by this open surgery is still controversial. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between erectile function and open urethroplasty. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using Medline, Embase, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases through October 2012 to identify articles published in any language that examined the effect of open urethroplasty on the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). This meta-analysis was conducted according to the guidelines for the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence of ED after urethroplasty. RESULTS: This meta-analysis consisted of 23 cohort studies, which included 1,729 cases. No significant difference was noticed in patients with anterior urethral stricture before or after intervention (odds ratio [OR] = 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-1.40; P = 0.53). While statistical difference in the incidence of ED was revealed in patients before and after intervention for a posterior urethral (OR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.82-3.45; P < 0.001), further comparisons demonstrated that most anterior urethroplasties did not have an obvious effect on patient erectile function. However, it seems that the incidence of ED was higher in the bulbar anastomosis group than in the oral graft urethroplasty group (OR = 0.32 95% CI: 0.11-0.93; P = 0.04). For the posterior urethroplasty, previous operative history did not show a strong relationship with ED. No statistically significant difference in the risk of ED was demonstrated comparing the posterior urethral reconstructive techniques included in this analysis. CONCLUSION: The adverse effect of urethroplasty itself on erectile function is limited, as more patients recover erectile function after urethral reconstruction. For anterior urethroplasty, bulbar anastomosis might cause a slightly higher incidence of ED than other operations. For posterior urethroplasty, trauma might be the main cause of ED.

Three-dimensional spiral computed tomographic cysto-urethrography for post-traumatic complex posterior urethral strictures associated with urethral-rectal fistula.

To evaluate the value of three-dimensional spiral computed tomography/cysto-urethrography (CTCUG) in diagnosing posterior urethral strictures associated with urethrorectal fistulas (URF). Between June 2008 and March 2012, 38 patients with posterior urethral strictures associated with URFs were examined by CTCUG, retrograde urethrography (RUG) and cysto-urethrography (CUG). Urethral reconstruction was undertaken and URFs were surgically repaired in all patients. The length of the urethral defect, location and size of URFs were recorded. Data from radiological examinations were compared with surgical findings. No statistically significant difference was found in the length of stricture measured using CTCUG (4.31 ± 2.28 cm) or conventional urethrography (4.02 ± 3.12 cm; p > 0.05), However, the accuracy in determining the location of the stricture was higher with CTCUG (93.12%) than with conventional urethrography (70.59%; p < 0.05). CTCUG identified URFs in all 38 patients (100%), whereas URFs were only observed in 27 patients (71%) using conventional urethrography. In conclusion, CTCUG was more accurate, safer and provided more details of URFs and urethral defects than conventional urethrography in patients with posterior urethral strictures associated with URFs.

Outcome of small intestinal submucosa graft for repair of anterior urethral strictures.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of small intestinal submucosa graft for the repair of selected anterior urethral strictures. METHODS: From June 2009 to May 2011, 28 men (mean age 39 years) with anterior urethral strictures underwent urethroplasty using a four-layer small intestinal submucosa patch graft in an onlay or inlay fashion. The stricture was localized to the bulbar urethra in eight patients, the bulbopenile area in nine patients and the distal penile urethra in 10 patients. Failed hypospadias was observed in one patient. The mean stricture length was 4.6 cm (range 3.5-7.0 cm). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 24.8 months (range 12-30 months). No postoperative complications, such as infection or rejection, were related to the use of heterologous graft material. The patients voided well postoperatively, with peak flows between 16 and 44 mL/s (mean 25.4 mL/s) in 26 patients. Two patients (7.1%) developed a urethral narrowing; this occurred at 5 months in one patient and 6 months in the other, and cystoscopy, which was carried out at 20 and 24 weeks, respectively, showed clear cicatricial tissue at the proximal anastomotic site. Dilation was carried out once every 4-6 months for recurrent stricture in one patient and lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty was carried out in the other patient at 18 months postoperatively. Biopsies were obtained in four patients at 18, 24, 36 and 42 weeks, respectively. Squamous epithelium with or without hyperkeratosis was observed on histological examination of the small intestinal submucosa-grafted areas. CONCLUSIONS: The small intestinal submucosa matrix appears to be a safe and effective reconstructive material for selective use in urethral reconstructive surgery.