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Transurethral resection of fibrotic scar tissue combined with temporary urethral stent placement for patients with in anterior urethral stricture

Abstract

Introduction

Fibrotic scar formation is a main cause of recurrent urethral stricture after initial management with direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU). In the present study, we devised a new technique of combined the transurethral resection of fibrotic scar tissue and temporary urethral stenting, using a thermo-expandable urethral stent (MemokathTM 044TW) in patients with anterior urethral stricture.

Materials and Methods

As a first step, multiple incisions were made around stricture site with cold-cutting knife and Collins knife electrode to release a stricture band. Fibrotic tissue was then resected with a 13Fr pediatric resectoscope before deployment of a MemokathTM 044TW stent (40 – 60mm) on a pre-mounted sheath using 0° cystoscopy. Stents were removed within 12 months after initial placement.

Results

We performed this technique on 11 consecutive patients with initial (n = 4) and recurrent (n = 7) anterior urethral stricture (April 2009 – February 2013). At 18.9 months of mean follow-up (12-34 months), mean Qmax (7.8±3.9ml/sec vs 16.8 ± 4.8ml/sec, p < 0.001), IPSS (20.7 vs 12.5, p = 0.001 ), and QoL score (4.7 vs 2.2, p < 0.001) were significantly improved. There were no significant procedure-related complications except two cases of tissue ingrowth at the edge of stent, which were amenable by transurethral resection. In 7 patients, an average 1.4 times (1-5 times) of palliative urethral dilatation was carried out and no patients underwent open surgical urethroplasty during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Combined transurethral resection and temporary urethral stenting is a effective therapeutic option for anterior urethral stricture. Further investigations to determine the long-term effects, and safety profile of this new technique are warranted.


ARTICLE INFO

Available at: http://www.brazjurol.com.br/videos/july_august_2014/Yoon_576_577video.htm

Int Braz J Urol. 2014; 40 (Video #11): -7

EDITORIAL COMMENT

The video by Yoon et al. demonstrates transurethral resection of an anterior urethral stricture combined with long term urethral stent placement. The small caliber of modern pediatric equipment facilitates transurethral resection of stricture tissue. In 2013 Jang and associates presented a series of patients treated with transurethral resection. In their series a Foley catheter was left in place for one week (1. Jang WS, Jeong SH, Yu HS, Hwang IS, Hwang EC, Kim SO, et al.: Initial experience of transurethral resection with pediatric resectoscope for incomplete anterior urethral stricture. Int Braz J Urol. 2013; 39: 295; discussion 296.).

In both series a significant number of patients required postoperative dilations. In this most recent study 64% (7/11) required post stent dilations, presumably for return of obstructive symptoms. 36% (4/11) required multiple dilations. Two patients required repeat transurethral resection for recurrent stricture despite an indwelling stent.

For patients with short strictures, excision with primary anastomosis remains the gold standard against which other techniques should be compared (2. Jordan GH, Schlossberg SM: Surgery of the penis and urethra. In: Wein AJ, et al, (ed.), Campbell-Walsh Urology. Vol 1. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co; 2007; pp. 1023-97.). It has proven to be a highly successful surgery and its results durable over time (3. Mundy AR: Management of urethral strictures. Postgrad Med J. 2006; 82(970):489-93).

Additional patients and longer term data may help identify a subset of patients who can be treated effectively with transurethral excision. A randomized study may help to determine the exact benefits of longer-term temporary stenting.

Hubert Swana, MD
Pediatric Urology
Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando
Orlando, FL, USA
E-mail: hswana@nemours.org

REFERENCES

  • 1
    Jang WS, Jeong SH, Yu HS, Hwang IS, Hwang EC, Kim SO, et al.: Initial experience of transurethral resection with pediatric resectoscope for incomplete anterior urethral stricture. Int Braz J Urol. 2013; 39: 295; discussion 296.
  • 2
    Jordan GH, Schlossberg SM: Surgery of the penis and urethra. In: Wein AJ, et al, (ed.), Campbell-Walsh Urology. Vol 1. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders Co; 2007; pp. 1023-97.
  • 3
    Mundy AR: Management of urethral strictures. Postgrad Med J. 2006; 82(970):489-93

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    Jul-Aug 2014

History

  • Received
    10 May 2014
  • Accepted
    15 July 2014
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