[Iatrogenic urethral structures in men]

Abstract

Introduction: Iatrogenic urethral damage is the leading etiologic factor for urethral stricture in men in developed countries and second after traumatic injury in developing ones. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of iatrogenic strictures of the urethra and the results of their treatment.

Materials and methods: This retrospective analysis comprised 133 patients who were treated for iatrogenic urethral stricture from 2011to 2016. Group I included 72 (54%) patients after trans(intra)urethral interventions (transurethral resection of the prostate or urinary bladder), urethral dilation, traumatic catheterization, etc. Forty-five (34%) patients with post-catheter strictures (ischemic/post-inflammatory), 7 (5%) patients after failed treatment of hypospadias, and 9 (7%) patients after open adenomectomy made up groups II, III, and IV. The diagnosis of recurrent stricture and the need for repeat surgical intervention were determined based on uroflowmetry, urethrography, and urethrocystoscopy.

Results: In group I, the mean extent (rank) of the stricture was 2 (0.1-15) cm, the most frequent location (85%) was the bulbar urethra. In group II, the most frequent location (71%) was also the bulbar urethra with a mean stricture length of 2.4 (0.3-13) cm. There were 4 cases of panurethral strictures, lesions of the penile urethra and meatal stenosis. In group III, the strictures were on average 6 (2-12) cm long. Patients group IV had strictures of the bulbar and prostatic urethra. In general, the effectiveness of endoscopic treatment (direct vision internal urethrotomy, DVIU) was 52%, the effectiveness of urethroplasty varied from 83 to 100% depending on the method. In group I, the effectiveness of the DVIU was 52%, various types of urethroplasty - 88-100%, in group II - 50% and 82-100%, respectively. In group III, the effectiveness of the single-stage/multi-stage buccal mucosa urethroplasty was estimated at 0%/100%. In group IV, the effectiveness of DVIU/urethroplasty/perineal prostatectomy was 20%/75%/100%.

Conclusion: The proportion of iatrogenic urethral strictures in large megacities can reach 45%. Iatrogenic urethral strictures most commonly result from catheterization and transurethral interventions. Each subgroup of iatrogenic strictures is characterized by its location, extent and degree of urethral spongiofibrosis. With the correct choice of surgical modality, urethroplasty is almost twice more effective than DVIU.

Keywords: DVIU; buccal mucosa graft; perineal prostatectomy; urethral stricture; urethroplasty.