Development of a North American coordinated registry network for surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To create a prospective, multicenter coordinated registry network (CRN) of robust "real world" data for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that links surgical practices to objective and subjective outcomes of patients who undergo surgery for the improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPH. METHODS: We gathered a group of BPH experts from various institutions to identify the minimum core data elements needed to assess BPH procedures. To achieve consensus on the data elements, we used a Delphi method adaptation, in which a series of surveys were answered by the expert panel individually and anonymously. Survey results were collected and analyzed. Questions for the following round were based on response analysis from the prior survey. This process was repeated until consensus was achieved. RESULTS: Participation rates in the first and second rounds were 100% and 90%, respectively. The expert panel reached consensus on 148 data elements out of the 182 proposed, capturing patient medical and surgical history, procedure, discharge, short- and long-term follow-up, device factors, surgery, and surgeon factors. CONCLUSION: We have successfully developed a set of core data elements to support the study of BPH surgical therapies by gathering an expert panel on BPH and using the Delphi method. These data elements influence provider decisions about treatment and include important outcomes related to efficacy and safety.

Overactive Bladder Prescribing Considerations: The Role of Polypharmacy, Anticholinergic Burden, and CYP2D6 Drug‒Drug Interactions.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common disorder in the general population, and the prevalence increases with age. Adults with OAB typically have a greater number of comorbid conditions, such as hypertension, depression, and dementia, compared with adults without OAB. Subsequent to an increased number of comorbidities, adults with OAB take a greater number of concomitant medications, which may increase the risk of potentially harmful drug‒drug interactions. There are two important considerations for many of the medications approved for the treatment of OAB in the USA: anticholinergic burden and potential for drug‒drug interactions, notably related to cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6, which is responsible for the metabolism of approximately 25% of all drugs. A substantial number of drugs used for the treatment of OAB and comorbid conditions (e.g., cardiovascular and neurologic disorders) are CYP2D6 substrates or inhibitors. Furthermore, a substantial number of drugs with CYP2D6 properties also have strong anticholinergic properties. Here, we review polypharmacy associated with OAB and its common comorbidities, identify drugs with reported anticholinergic properties, and provide an overview of clinically relevant drug‒drug interactions in the treatment of OAB as they relate to CYP2D6 metabolism. This review aims to provide clinicians with essential information necessary for making treatment decisions when managing OAB.

Evaluating the Quality of Overactive Bladder Patient Education Material on YouTube: A Pilot Study Using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the characteristics and quality of patient education content for overactive bladder (OAB) on YouTube. METHODS: We searched YouTube on September 10, 2019 and reviewed the top 25 search results for "overactive bladder." For comparison, we reviewed 3 Urology Care Foundation (UCF) OAB education videos on YouTube. Videos were scored using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) for Audiovisual materials, which is subdivided into understandability and actionability domains, each with a maximum score of 100%. RESULTS: The mean length was 9.5 (0.9-34) minutes and the mean number of views was 151,382 (127-2,032,441). Of the top 25 search results, the mean PEMAT understandability score was 74% ± 16% (range 41%-100%). The mean PEMAT actionability score was 57% ± 39% (range 0%-100%). Seventy-two percent of the reviewed videos featured a physician. In comparison, the 3 UCF videos had an average of 5840 views, 3 minutes length, and PEMAT understandability and actionability scores of 93% and 100%. All UCF OAB videos featured urologists. CONCLUSION: The quality of OAB patient education materials on YouTube varies significantly in understandability and actionability. Although the UCF videos scored much higher on the PEMAT than our reviewed videos, they did not appear within the top 25 search results for OAB. There is great opportunity for the American Urological Association (AUA)/UCF and Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) to increase its outreach to patients on platforms like YouTube.

Increased Time between Scheduling Date and Appointment Date Results in Increased No-Show Rates in the Academic Urology Practice.

INTRODUCTION: No-show appointments can weigh heavily on a urology practice's finances and productivity. Our objective was to investigate if a relationship existed between lag time and no-show appointments at the Columbia University Medical Center department of urology. METHODS: We queried adult new patient appointments from July 2017 to July 2018 and excluded rescheduled or cancelled visits. We organized appointments by subspecialty training/practice of the urologist (general urology, voiding dysfunction/female urology, male sexual dysfunction/infertility, urological oncology, endourology and reconstructive urology). We performed logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between lag time and no-show rate. We did the same for age and gender. We also organized lag time into 4 categories (less than 3 days, 3 to 7 days, 8 to 14 days, more than 14 days) and performed a goodness of fit test for no-show rates. RESULTS: A total of 6,060 new patient appointments were scheduled from July 2017 to July 2018. The no-show rate was 14.3% (865 patients). Each daily increase in lag time resulted in a 2% rise in the odds of no-shows for the overall practice (OR 1.02). There were similar results for sexual dysfunction (OR 1.03), general urology (OR 1.02), oncology (OR 1.02) and voiding dysfunction (OR 1.01). There was a positive correlation with increasing lag time category and no-show rates for all subspecialties (R2 >0.80) except reconstructive urology (R2=0.68). Each increase in age resulted in a 2% rise in the odds of no-shows (OR 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Lag time for new patient visits is highly correlated with no-show rates, with a 2% rise in the odds of a no-show with each daily increase in lag time. Increasing age also demonstrated a correlation with no-show rates. Practice interventions to reduce lag time will hopefully reduce no-show rates.

The Prevalence of Bladder Cancer During Cystoscopy for Asymptomatic Microscopic Hematuria.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the rate of bladder cancer in patients undergoing cystoscopic evaluation for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (AMH) in order to identify groups at sufficiently low-risk for bladder cancer in whom invasive testing may be avoided. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent cystoscopic evaluation for AMH between 2010 and 2018. Age, gender, smoking status, history of pelvic radiation, and number of red blood cells per high-power field on urine microscopy were recorded. We used logistic regression to explore the association between specific risk factors and a diagnosis of bladder cancer on cystoscopy. RESULTS: Among the 2118 patients who underwent cystoscopy for AMH, 25 patients (1.2%) were diagnosed with a bladder cancer, all of which were nonmuscle invasive urothelial carcinoma. There were no bladder cancers detected in patients under the age of 50. Older age and positive smoking history were significantly associated with bladder cancer. CONCLUSION: Bladder cancer was an uncommon finding on cystoscopy among patients being evaluated for AMH, especially in younger patients. We confirmed several known risk factors for bladder cancer, including older age and smoking history. Further studies are required to evaluate the utility of cystoscopy for identifying latent bladder cancers in low-risk patients.

Alpha Blocker and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Prescribing Habits among Urologists and Primary Care Physicians.

INTRODUCTION: While primary care physicians often prescribe medical therapy for voiding symptoms attributed to benign prostate enlargement, it is not clear to what extent they use novel or varied agents. We describe alpha blocker and 5-alpha reductase inhibitor prescribing habits of primary care physicians and compare them with those of urologists. METHODS: Within Medicare Part D we identified providers who prescribed alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors in 2015. We determined the proportions that prescribed 1 versus multiple agents, different types of agents and both types of medications, and compared them between providers. RESULTS: Overall 94% (9,327) of urologists, 50% (54,253) of internal medicine physicians and 61% (60,063) of family medicine physicians prescribed an alpha blocker in 2015. Urologists were more likely to prescribe multiple alpha blockers. However, they were also more likely to predominantly use a single agent. A higher percentage of urologists prescribed newer agents (alfuzosin, silodosin) while a higher percentage of primary care physicians prescribed older agents (terazosin, doxazosin). For 5-alpha reductase inhibitors 87.5% (8,692) of urologists, 32.0% (34,598) of internal medicine physicians and 34.4% (33,720) of family medicine physicians issued prescriptions. Urologists were more likely to prescribe a single 5-alpha reductase inhibitor predominantly and prescribe multiple 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. More primary care physicians prescribed alpha blockers without also prescribing 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Most primary care physicians prescribed alpha blockers to Medicare beneficiaries. Urologists were more likely to use diverse as well as newer agents, signaling greater awareness of medical options, although also more complex cases. Urologists were more likely to habitually prescribe single medications. As primary care physicians are involved in the initial treatment of these patients, further education regarding medical options and appropriate indications should be considered.

Assessment of practices in screening and treating women with bacteriuria.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based screening and treatment for bacteriuria is crucial to prevent increasing antibiotic resistance. The Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) previously released guidelines on the management of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. The study's objective was to assess physicians' practices in managing women with bacteriuria relative to these guideline recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional data from physicians were collected using an anonymous questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors of adherence to guidelines. RESULTS: Data were collected from 260 physicians. Over half of physicians surveyed were unfamiliar with IDSA guidelines and overtreat ASB. Variables independently associated with overtreatment of ASB included a non-academic practice and practicing as an OBGYN. Nearly one third (30.1%) of physicians reported prescribing an antibiotic other than a recommended first-line agent for uncomplicated cystitis. Relative to internists, OBGYNs and urologists were more likely to prescribe a recommended first-line agent to women with uncomplicated cystitis. Of those who correctly selected a first-line agent, 29.8% prescribed a longer than recommended duration of therapy. IDSA guideline awareness was not associated with physicians' practices in managing women with bacteriuria. CONCLUSIONS: Most physicians surveyed were unfamiliar with guidelines related to managing ASB and uncomplicated UTIs in women, likely contributing to overscreening and overtreatment of ASB and the use of inappropriate antibiotic regimens in treating uncomplicated cystitis. However, optimal antibiotic prescribing was not associated with knowledge of IDSA guidelines, suggesting that guideline dissemination alone may not alter practice patterns among physicians managing women with bacteriuria.

Utility of catheterized specimens in reducing overdiagnosis of urinary tract infections in women.

AIMS: To evaluate the utility of catheterized samples in reducing overdiagnosis of UTI based on voided specimens among patients presenting with a range of urinary symptoms. We also aimed to determine variables that may modify the predictive value of the voided midstream urine culture. METHODS: Patient charts were reviewed to identify female patients referred to our voiding dysfunction clinic with a range of complaints warranting urine studies (5/2014-8/2016). Patients with a positive voided urine culture who also had a catheterized urine culture in our system were included. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify patient characteristics associated with a negative catheterized specimen despite a positive voided specimen. RESULTS: One hundred and seven women were included in the study. Eighty percent of the cohort was post-menopausal. Although all patients had positive voided specimens, only 53 (49.5%) had positive catheterized specimens. On multivariate analysis negative nitrites on clean catch UA was a significant predictor of a negative catheterized sample (adjusted OR 8.9, 95%CI 2.2-43.7, P = 0.003). WBC/HPF <10 on clean catch UA trended towards significance (adjusted OR 4.72, 95%CI 1.1-26.1, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Relying on clean catch urine samples may lead to significant over-diagnosis of UTIs. Our study suggests that in female patients who have vague symptoms of UTI, obtaining catheterized specimens may be beneficial in avoiding the overdiagnosis of UTIs and the overuse of antibiotics. Larger, prospective studies testing our hypothesis are necessary, and would greatly assist in establishing clinical practices that reduce the amount of antibiotics inappropriately prescribed.

Female Outlet Obstruction After Anti-incontinence Surgery.

Numerous surgical options are available for the management of stress urinary incontinence in women, including urethral bulking agents, pubovaginal slings, retropubic bladder neck suspensions, midurethral slings, and even artificial urinary sphincters. We discuss the incidence, etiology, diagnosis, evaluation, and management of bladder outlet obstruction after anti-incontinence surgery in women. This problem presents with a wide range of symptoms. Urodynamic evaluation is not always diagnostic but can be helpful. Management options range from conservative to invasive. The optimal timeline for intervention is still not well defined, but general guiding principles of management are presented and a comprehensive review of current literature is presented.

Does cranberry have a role in catheter-associated urinary tract infections?

INTRODUCTION: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) are a prevalent and costly condition, with very few therapeutic options. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of an oral cranberry supplement on CA-UTIs over a six-month period. METHODS: Subjects with long-term indwelling catheters and recurrent symptomatic CA-UTIs were enrolled to take a once-daily oral cranberry supplement with 36 mg of the active ingredient proanthocyanidin (PACs). Primary outcome was reducing the number of symptomatic CA-UTIs. This was defined by ≥103 (cfu)/mL of ≥1 bacterial species in a single catheter urine specimen and signs and symptoms compatible with CA-UTI. Secondary outcomes included bacterial counts and resistance patterns to antibiotics. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were enrolled in the trial; 22 patients (mean age 77.22 years, 77.27% were men) completed the study. Cranberry was effective in reducing the number of symptomatic CA-UTIs in all patients (n=22). Resistance to antibiotics was reduced by 28%. Furthermore, colony counts were reduced by 58.65%. No subjects had adverse events while taking cranberry. CONCLUSIONS: The cranberry supplement reduced the number of symptomatic CA-UTIs, antibiotic resistances, and major causative organisms in this cohort. Larger, placebo-controlled studies are needed to further define the role of cranberry in CA-UTIs.

Multicenter international experience of 532 nm-laser photo-vaporization with Greenlight XPS in men with large prostates (prostate volume > 100 cc).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes and durability of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) using the XPS-180 system in patients with a large prostate volume (PV) > 100 cc at 4 years of follow-up in a large, multicenter experience. METHODS: 438 men with pre-operative transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) PV > 100 cc were treated in eight experienced centers in Canada, USA, and in France with the Greenlight XPS laser using PVP for the treatment of symptomatic BPH. IPSS, Qmax, postvoid residual (PVR), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were measured at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. Durability was evaluated using BPH retreatment rate at 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS: Median PV and PSA were 121 cc and 6.3 ng/dl. Indwelling catheter at the time of surgery was observed in 37% of men. Median operative, laser time, and energy applied were 90 min, 55 min, and 422 kJ, respectively. Median energy delivery was 3.4 kJ/cc of prostate per case. Outpatient surgery was feasible with median length of stay at 24 h. IPSS, Qmax and PVR were significantly improved at all endpoints including at 48 months. Moreover, surgical BPH retreatment rates were 5.4 and 9.3% at 24 and 36 months. Interestingly, characteristics of retreated men include: energy delivery 2.4 vs. 3.4 kJ/cc of prostate (p = 0.02) and PSA reduction at 12 months 26 vs. 51% (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: PVP using Greenlight XPS-180W can potentially provide durable improvements with regard to functional outcomes at 4 years. However, rising retreatment rates after 3 years is of concern. This highlights the imperative need of utilizing a standardized surgical technique (enucleation-like-defect) and an optimal energy density >3KJ/cc.

Utilization of Preoperative Laboratory Testing for Low-risk, Ambulatory Urologic Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical significance of preoperative laboratory testing for low-risk ambulatory urologic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2005 to 2013 was queried for urethral sling procedures, cystoscopic procedures, and scrotal procedures. Multivariate analysis was used to assess for independent predictors of preoperative laboratory testing utilization and for postoperative complications. RESULTS: Overall, 7378 procedures were identified, with 73.9% undergoing 1 or more laboratory tests, including 37.9% who had no comorbidities. Patients who were tested were older, had a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and had more preoperative comorbidities. Of these procedures, only 2.9% resulted in any complication. Most laboratory tests were drawn within 1 week of the procedure. On multivariate analysis of testing utilization, increasing age and medical comorbidities were predictive of testing. Multivariate analysis of postoperative outcomes showed that abnormal test laboratory findings were not predictive of postoperative complications in those with and without NSQIP-defined comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Abnormal preoperative laboratory testing was not a significant independent predictor of postoperative complications. Almost 40% of patients received preoperative testing despite having no NSQIP-detected comorbid conditions. A multidisciplinary approach should be taken to define procedures in which preoperative laboratory testing may be eliminated.

Assessment of energy density usage during 180W lithium triborate laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Is there an optimum amount of kilo-Joules per gram of prostate?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of energy density (kJ/mL) applied on adenoma during photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) on functional outcomes, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reduction and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After exclusions, a total of 440 patients who underwent GreenLight (tm) laser XPS-180W lithium triborate PVP for the treatment of BPH were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected from seven different international centres (Canada, USA, UK and France). Patients were stratified into four energy density groups (kJ/mL) according to intra-operative energy delivered and prostate volume as determined by preoperative transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS): group 1: <3 kJ/mL; group 2: 3-5 kJ/mL; group 3: 5-7 kJ/mL; and group 4: ≥7 kJ/mL. Energy density groups were chosen arbitrarily. PSA reduction and functional outcomes (International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, post-void residual urine volume, maximum urinary flow rate) were compared at 6, 12 and 24 months. Peri-operative complications and retreatment rates were also compared among the groups. RESULTS: The PSA reduction rates at 24 months after the procedure were 51, 61, 79 and 83% for the energy density groups <3, 3-5, 5-7 and ≥7 kJ/mL, respectively (P ≤ 0.01). This held true after accounting for baseline confounders. Energy density was not associated with higher complication rates, including haematuria, stricture formation, incontinence, refractory urinary retention, urinary tract infection and conversion to transurethral resection of the prostate. Functional outcomes at 2 years of follow-up were equivalent among the groups (P > 0.05 for all) and similar retreatment rates were observed (P = 0.36). CONCLUSION: Higher energy usage per cc of prostate was associated with a more significant reduction in PSA level (>50%) at 6, 12 and 24 months, suggesting increased vaporization of adenoma tissue; however, this did not translate into differences in functional outcomes at 2-year follow-up.

Detrusor-External Sphincter Dyssynergia: Review of Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Management.

Detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) is a debilitating problem in patients with spinal cord injury. DSD carries a high risk of complications, and even life expectancy can be affected. Management of this condition includes the use of antimuscarinic agents in combination with intermittent catheterization, indwelling urethral catheterization, suprapubic catheterization, and a variety of surgical options, depending on patient and physician preference. This paper will review the current literature and data on minimally invasive and endoscopic management of DSD.

Analysis of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Costs across New York State Hospitals Using Severity of Illness Score.

INTRODUCTION: Using data on surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia we evaluated the effect of beneficiary health status on hospital reported costs. METHODS: We examined the records of 9,895 patients in the New York State Hospital Inpatient Cost Transparency database who underwent surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, including laser prostatectomy and traditional transurethral resection of the prostate, in New York State from 2009 to 2011. RESULTS: Using the 3M™ APR-DRG (All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group) severity of illness index as a measure of patient preoperative health we found a significant increase in the cost of transurethral resection of the prostate for patients with higher severity of illness scores. We confirmed an increase in the cost and the cost variability of transurethral resection of the prostate for patients with higher severity of illness scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings illustrate the inherent unpredictability of cost forecasting and budgeting for these patients.

Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Using the 180 Watt System: Multicenter Study of the Impact of Prostate Size on Safety and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: We evaluated photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the GreenLight™ XPS™ 180 W system for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment in a large multi-institutional cohort at 2 years. We particularly examined safety, outcomes and the re-treatment rate in larger prostates, defined as a prostate volume of 80 cc or greater, to assess the potential of photoselective vaporization of the prostate as a size independent procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,196 patients were treated at 6 international centers in Canada, the United States, France and England. All parameters were collected retrospectively, including complications, I-PSS, maximum urinary flow rate, post-void residual urine, prostate volume, prostate specific antigen and the endoscopic re-intervention rate. Subgroup stratified comparative analysis was performed according to preoperative prostate volume less than 80 vs 80 cc or greater on transrectal ultrasound. RESULTS: Median prostate size was 50 cc in 387 patients and 108 cc in 741 in the prostate volume groups less than 80 and 80 cc or greater, respectively. The rate of conversion to transurethral prostate resection was significantly higher in the 80 cc or greater group than in the less than 80 cc group (8.4% vs 0.6%, p <0.01). I-PSS, quality of life score, maximum urinary flow rate and post-void residual urine were significantly improved compared to baseline at 6, 12 and 24 months of followup without significant differences between the prostate size groups. The re-treatment rate at 2 years reported in 5 of 411 patients was associated with the delivery of decreased energy density (2.1 vs 4.4 kJ/cc) in the group without re-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the XPS 180 W system is safe and efficacious, providing durable improvement in functional outcomes at 2 years independent of prostate size when treated with sufficient energy.

180 W vs 120 W lithium triborate photoselective vaporization of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a global, multicenter comparative analysis of perioperative treatment parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical performance of the new Greenlight XPS-180 W laser system (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MI) and the effect of prostate volume (PV), in comparison with the former HPS-120 W system, for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia by photo-selective vaporization of the prostate. METHODS: Between July 2007 and March 2012, 1809 patients underwent laser photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (1187 patients with the use of HPS-120 W and 622 patients with the use of XPS-180 W) at 7 international centers. All data were collected prospectively. Comparative analysis was performed between XPS and HPS according to PV measured by transrectal ultrasound. RESULTS: The XPS compared with HPS, allowed significantly reduced laser and operative time (29.6 minutes vs 65.8 minutes and 53 minutes vs 80 minutes, respectively; P <.01 for both). The number of fiber used during the procedures was significantly reduced with the XPS system (1.11 vs 2.28; P <.01), whereas total energy delivered was lower (250.2 kJ vs 267.7 kJ; P = .043). Overall, the mean operative time, mean laser time, and mean energy were all significantly increased according to PV >80 mL vs <80 mL. However, when stratified according to PV, XPS demonstrates significant advantages compared with HPS, regardless of prostate size in all operative parameters (P <.01). CONCLUSION: The new XPS-180 W system exhibits significant advantages in all surgical parameters compared with the HPS-120 W system. Overall, with XPS-180 W and HPS-120 W, mean operative time, laser time, and energy usage increased according to PV. This suggests that preoperative evaluation of PV by transrectal ultrasound should be mandatory.

Management of urethral stricture in women.

PURPOSE: We describe the diagnosis and treatment of urethral strictures in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified female urethral strictures from 1998 to 2010. Study inclusion criteria were 1) clinical diagnosis of stricture, 2) stricture seen on cystoscopy, 3) urethral obstruction on videourodynamics according to the Blaivas-Groutz nomogram and/or 4) urethral caliber less than 17Fr. Postoperative recurrence was defined by the preoperative criteria. RESULTS: We identified 17 women with a mean age of 62 years (range 32 to 91) with stricture. Stricture was idiopathic in 8 patients, iatrogenic in 6, traumatic in 2 and associated with a urethral diverticulum in 1. Videourodynamics could not be done in 3 women due to complete obliteration of the urethra. Ten of 14 patients satisfied videourodynamic criteria for obstruction and 4 had impaired detrusor contractility. Nine women underwent vaginal flap urethroplasty, including 5 who also had a pubovaginal sling and 1 who had a Martius flap. One patient received a buccal mucosal graft as primary treatment after initial dilation. There was no recurrence at a minimum 1-year followup but 2 strictures recurred 5½ and 6 years postoperatively, respectively. These 2 women received a buccal mucosal graft and were stricture free 12 to 15 months postoperatively. Of 17 patients initially treated with urethral dilation recurrence developed in 16, requiring repeat dilations until urethroplasty was performed. CONCLUSIONS: In select women vaginal flap urethroplasty and buccal mucosal graft have high success rates, including 100% at 1 year and 78% at 5 years. Urethral dilation has a 6% success rate. Long-term followup is mandatory. Treatment should be individualized.