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New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Nephrology & Urology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 53873

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Urology San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Interests: general urology; prosthetics (penile implants); adult circumcision; BPH/enlarged prostate; erectile dysfunction; neurogenic bladder; overactive bladder; penile implants; Peyronie’s disease; premature ejaculation; urethral stricture; urinary incontinence; urinary retention; vasectomy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the past two decades, the field of urethral reconstruction has made great leaps. Not only have new graft tissues been introduced which are now standard, and not only have new techniques been developed to address even the most severe strictures, but there is also a growing number of specialized reconstructive urologists increasing the availability for state-of-the-art urethral reconstruction.

As the number of urethral reconstructions increases, so does the evolution of the field and its techniques. In the past several years, many notable variations of established surgeries have been published that show improved outcomes. Additionally, while reconstructive urologists turn their attention to following outcomes of their surgeries in more detail, we are obtaining a more and more refined view of how best to improve our patients’ lives.

It should be noted that as in any reconstructive surgical field, one size will not fit all, and that a reconstructive urologist will often apply variations of certain techniques and sometimes even apply multiple different techniques. Therefore, with every additional technique reported, our armamentarium increases, and so does the chance to treat every patient in an ideal manner.

This Special Issue on new trends in urethral reconstruction is intended to provide a collection of new and updated techniques presenting state-of-the-art guidance to optimize urethral reconstruction.

Dr. Matthias D. Hofer
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • urethroplasty
  • urethral stricture
  • urethral reconstruction
  • buccal mucosa graft
  • excision and primary anastomosis
  • penile inversion urethroplasty
  • distal urethroplasty

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Published Papers (18 papers)

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10 pages, 3229 KiB  
Article
Management of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injury: Is Supracrural Urethral Rerouting (Step 4) Becoming Anecdotical or Does It Remain in Force?
by Christian Yepes, Maciej Oszczudlowski, Marco Bandini, Pankaj M. Joshi, Ahmed Alrefaey, Shreyas Bhadranavar, Francisco E. Martins and Sanjay B. Kulkarni
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(6), 2427; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062427 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1577
Abstract
Webster described a step-based perineal approach for repairing the posterior urethra in patients with pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI). The higher the complexity of the step, the higher the morbidity for the patient and the lower the surgical outcomes. We evaluated the outcomes [...] Read more.
Webster described a step-based perineal approach for repairing the posterior urethra in patients with pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI). The higher the complexity of the step, the higher the morbidity for the patient and the lower the surgical outcomes. We evaluated the outcomes of anastomotic urethroplasty (especially Step 4 or higher) or substitution urethroplasty in patients with PFUI at our center. Between 2013 to 2021, we retrospectively collected data on patients with PFUI. Surgical procedures were categorized according to the Webster classification and rates of each step were reported. The success rate was defined as Qmax above 10 mL/s and no need for further treatment. In this period, 737 male patients with PFUI were surgically treated. Notably, 18.8%, 17.6%, 46%, 1.8%, and 5.6% of included patients received steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 and the abdominoperineal approach, respectively. In 68 (9.2%) patients, the substitution of urethroplasty with a pedicled preputial tube (PPT) was needed. The success rate was 69.2% in Step 4, 74.4% in the abdominoperineal approach, and 86.4% in PPT; however, recurrence-free survival was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.22). Step 4 perineal anastomotic urethroplasty represents a surgical option in the armamentarium of PFUI treatment. Indications should be carefully reviewed to improve patient selection and avoid surgical failure, stopping at the step which first gives a tension-free anastomosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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7 pages, 608 KiB  
Article
Narcotic Requirements before and after Implementation of Buccal Nerve Blocks for Buccal Mucosa Graft Harvest: Technique and Retrospective Review
by Adam Nolte, Alejandra Perez, Chase Mallory, Timothy Demus, Jessica Boyer, Scott Jamieson, Dhaval Jivanji and Billy Cordon
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(6), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062168 - 10 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1139
Abstract
The reduction in opioid use has become a public health priority. We aimed to assess if performing buccal nerve blocks (BNB) at the time of buccal mucosa graft (BMG) harvest impacts post-operative narcotic usage in the inpatient setting. We retrospectively reviewed clinical characteristics [...] Read more.
The reduction in opioid use has become a public health priority. We aimed to assess if performing buccal nerve blocks (BNB) at the time of buccal mucosa graft (BMG) harvest impacts post-operative narcotic usage in the inpatient setting. We retrospectively reviewed clinical characteristics and morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) received for all patients that underwent a BMG urethroplasty at our institution. The primary outcome measure was post-operative MMEs for patients before and after implementing the BNB. We identified 74 patients that underwent BMG urethroplasty, 37 of which were before the implementation of the BNB and 37 of which were after. No other changes were made to the peri-operative pathway between these time points. The mean total MMEs per day, needed post-operatively, was lower in the BNB group (8.8 vs. 5.0, p = 0.12). A histogram distribution of the two groups, categorized by number of MMEs received, showed no significant differences between the two groups. In this retrospective analysis, we report our experience using BNBs at the time of buccal mucosa graft harvest. While there were no significant differences between the number of MMEs received before and after implementation, further research is needed to assess the blocks’ impact on pain scores. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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10 pages, 701 KiB  
Article
Trends in Male and Female Urethral Endoscopic Management and Urethroplasty Using the TriNetX Database
by Adam M. Ostrovsky, Zachary J. Prebay and Paul H. Chung
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(6), 2137; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062137 - 9 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
Background: How quickly providers adapt to new practice guidelines is not well known. The objective of this study was to evaluate temporal trends in the performance of urethral endoscopic management and urethroplasty surrounding the release of the American Urological Association (AUA) Male Urethral [...] Read more.
Background: How quickly providers adapt to new practice guidelines is not well known. The objective of this study was to evaluate temporal trends in the performance of urethral endoscopic management and urethroplasty surrounding the release of the American Urological Association (AUA) Male Urethral Stricture Guidelines in 2017. We also evaluate in parallel trends in female urethral stricture disease, where AUA guidelines are not present. We hypothesized that the ratio of urethroplasty versus urethral endoscopic management in both males and females is increasing and that guidelines do not result in immediate changes in management trends. Methods: Endoscopic management and urethroplasty data were collected from the TriNetX database on adult males and females five years before (starting 1 January 2012) and after (ending 31 December 2022) the 2017 AUA guidelines. Cohorts were built using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and grouped into urethral endoscopic management (Males: CPT 52275, 52281, 52282, 53600, 53601, 53620, 53621; Females: CPT 52270, 53660, 53661, 53665) or urethroplasty (Males: CPT 53000, 53010, 53400, 53410, 53415, 53420, 53450, 53460; Females: CPT 53430). Data on patient age, race, and geographic distribution were also collected. Results: In total, 27,623 (Males: 25,039; Females: 2584) endoscopic managements and 11,771 (Males: 11,105; Females: 666) urethroplasties were reviewed across 51 Health Care Organizations. The mean age of endoscopic management and urethroplasty patients was 67.1 and 55.7, respectively (p < 0.01). The urethroplasty-to-endoscopic management ratio decreased for males between 2012 and 2013 and then steadily increased until 2017. The ratio steadily increased for females from 2012 to 2017. The urethroplasty-to-endoscopic management ratio showed a slight decline from 2017 to 2020 across both males and females before rising again through 2022 to a study high (Males: 0.62; Females: 0.63). Regional differences were identified, with the West having the highest urethroplasty-to-endoscopic management ratios for both males and females, the Northeast having the lowest urethroplasty-to-endoscopic management ratio for males, and the Midwest having the lowest ratio for females. Conclusions: The utilization of urethroplasty for males and females is increasing. An immediate benefit on post-guideline urethroplasty rates was not observed, and the utilization of female urethroplasty increased despite the absence of AUA guidelines. These illustrate that the impact of guideline dissemination takes time and supports the need for continued provider outreach and education on urethral stricture disease and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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7 pages, 859 KiB  
Article
A TriNetX Registry Analysis of the Need for Second Procedures following Index Anterior and Posterior Urethroplasty
by Zachary J. Prebay, Adam M. Ostrovsky, Matthew Buck and Paul H. Chung
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(5), 2055; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12052055 - 5 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3005
Abstract
Background: We queried a global database to understand re-intervention rates following urethroplasty with the goal of evaluating whether they align with previously published data. Methods: Using the TriNetX database and Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD) codes, we identified [...] Read more.
Background: We queried a global database to understand re-intervention rates following urethroplasty with the goal of evaluating whether they align with previously published data. Methods: Using the TriNetX database and Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD) codes, we identified adult male patients with urethral stricture disease (ICD N35) who underwent one-stage anterior (CPT 53410) or posterior urethroplasty (CPT 53415), with or without (substitution urethroplasty) a tissue flap (CPT 15740) or buccal graft (CPT 15240 or 15241). We set urethroplasty as the index event and used descriptive statistics to report the incidence of secondary procedures (using CPT codes) within 10 years after the index event. Results: There were 6606 patients who underwent urethroplasty within the last 20 years, with 14.3% of patients undergoing a second procedure after index event. Upon subgroup analysis, reintervention rates were 14.5% for anterior urethroplasty vs. 12.4% of patients with an anterior substitution urethroplasty (RR 1.7, p = 0.09) and 13.3% for posterior urethroplasty vs. 8.2% for patients with a posterior substitution urethroplasty (RR 1.6, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Most patients will not need any form of re-intervention following urethroplasty. These data align with previously described recurrence rates, which may help urologists counsel patients considering urethroplasty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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11 pages, 1670 KiB  
Article
ATOMS (Adjustable Trans-Obturator Male System) in Patients with Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence and Previously Treated Urethral Stricture or Bladder Neck Contracture
by Ane Ullate, Ignacio Arance, Miguel Virseda-Chamorro, Sonia Ruiz, Juliusz Szczesniewski, Carlos Téllez, Fabian Queissert, Juan F. Dorado and Javier C. Angulo
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(16), 4882; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11164882 - 19 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1533
Abstract
(1) Background: Male stress incontinence in patients with previously treated urethral or bladder neck stricture is a therapeutic challenge. The efficacy and safety of the adjustable trans-obturator male system (ATOMS) in these patients is unknown. (2) Methods: All patients with primary ATOMS implants [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Male stress incontinence in patients with previously treated urethral or bladder neck stricture is a therapeutic challenge. The efficacy and safety of the adjustable trans-obturator male system (ATOMS) in these patients is unknown. (2) Methods: All patients with primary ATOMS implants in our institution between 2014 and 2021 were included. The outcomes of patients with previously treated urethral or bladder neck stricture (≥6 months before ATOMS implant) and stable 16Ch urethral caliber were compared to those without a history of stricture. The primary endpoint was the dry patient rate, defined as the pad test ≤ 20 mL/day, and complication rate, including device removal. The secondary variable was self-perceived satisfaction using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale. Wilcoxon rank sum test, Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were performed. (3) Results: One hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients were included, twenty-one (14%) previously treated for urethral or bladder neck stricture (seven urethroplasty, nine internal urethrotomy and five bladder neck incision). After ATOMS adjustment, 38% of the patients with treated stricture were continent compared to 83% of those without (p < 0.0001). After weighted matched observations using propensity score pairing, the proportion of continent patients without a previous stricture was 56% (p = 0.236). Complications occurred in 29% of the patients with stricture and in 20% of those without (p = 0.34). The severity of the complications was distributed evenly among the groups (p = 0.42). Regarding self-perceived satisfaction with the implant, 90% of the patients with stricture perceived the results satisfactorily (PGI-I 1–3) compared to 97% of the rest (p = 0.167). Stricture was associated with radiotherapy (p < 0.0001) and time from prostatectomy to implantation (p = 0.012). There was a moderate correlation between previous stricture and the severity of incontinence, both evaluated according to the 24-h pad test (Rho = 0.378; p < 0.0001) and the ICIQ-SF questionnaire (Rho = 0.351; p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis for the factors predictive of failure after ATOMS adjustment revealed previous stricture (OR 4.66; 95% CI 1.2–18.87), baseline 24-h pad test (per 100 mL, OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.09–1.52) and final cushion volume (per mL, OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.19–1.55). This model predicted dryness with an AUC of 92%. After the PSMATCH procedure using a propensity score, the model remained unchanged, with the previous stricture (OR 8.05; 95% CI 1.08–110.83), baseline 24-h pad test (per 100 mL, OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.15–2.26) and final cushion volume (per mL, OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.17–2) being independent predictors and an AUC of 93%. (4) Conclusions: ATOMS can be used to treat male stress incontinence in patients with a history of stricture, although the effectiveness of the device is reduced. On the other hand, the security and perceived satisfaction were equivalent for both groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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9 pages, 232 KiB  
Article
Transurethral Incisions for Bladder Neck Contracture: Comparable Results without Intralesional Injections
by Samantha W. Nealon, Raj R. Bhanvadia, Shervin Badkhshan, Sarah C. Sanders, Steven J. Hudak and Allen F. Morey
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(15), 4355; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11154355 - 27 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2300
Abstract
To present our 12-year experience using an endoscopic approach to manage bladder neck contracture (BNC) without adjunctive intralesional agents and compare it to published series not incorporating them, we retrospectively reviewed 123 patients treated for BNC from 2008 to 2020. All underwent 24 [...] Read more.
To present our 12-year experience using an endoscopic approach to manage bladder neck contracture (BNC) without adjunctive intralesional agents and compare it to published series not incorporating them, we retrospectively reviewed 123 patients treated for BNC from 2008 to 2020. All underwent 24 Fr balloon dilation followed by transurethral incision of BNC (TUIBNC) with deep incisions at 3 and 9 o’clock using a Collins knife without the use of intralesional injections. Success was defined as a patent bladder neck and 16 Fr cystoscope passage into the bladder two months later. Most with recurrent BNC underwent repeat TUIBNC. Success rates, demographics, and BNC characteristics were analyzed. The etiology of BNC in our cohort was most commonly radical prostatectomy with or without radiation (36/123, 29.3%, 40/123, 32.5%). Some had BNC treatment prior to referral (30/123, 24.4%). At 12-month follow-up, bladder neck patency was observed in 101/123 (82.1%) after one TUIBNC. An additional 15 patients (116/123, 94.3%) had success after two TUIBNCs. On univariate and multivariate analyses, ≥2 endoscopic treatments was the only factor associated with failure. TUIBNC via balloon dilation and deep bilateral incisions without the use of adjunctive intralesional injections has a high patency rate. History of two or more prior endoscopic procedures is associated with failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
7 pages, 2321 KiB  
Article
Anastomotic Urethroplasty with Double Layer Continuous Running Suture Re-Anastomosis Versus Interrupted Suture Re-Anastomosis for Infective Bulbar Urethral Strictures: A Prospective Randomised Trial
by Frederik M. Claassen, Francisco E. Martins, Shingai B. A. Mutambirwa, Linda Potgieter, Lezelle Botes, Harry F. Kotze and Francis E. Smit
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(15), 4252; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11154252 - 22 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1916
Abstract
Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare a double-layer running suture re-anastomosis urethral stricture repair with early catheter removal to the conventional interrupted suture re-anastomosis after excision of a bulbar urethral stricture. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with bulbar urethral [...] Read more.
Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare a double-layer running suture re-anastomosis urethral stricture repair with early catheter removal to the conventional interrupted suture re-anastomosis after excision of a bulbar urethral stricture. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with bulbar urethral stricture were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized into two groups according to an odd/even serial number distribution. Patients’ medical records were analyzed for demographics, stricture characteristics, and lower urinary tract obstructive symptoms. The outcomes were based on the presence/absence of obstructive voiding symptoms, and retrograde urethrography (RGU) performed on the first post-operative day in Group 1 and in both groups (Groups 1 and 2) at six weeks after surgery. Flexible urethroscopy was only performed on specific cases where RGU was unclear both pre- and post-operatively or when clinical recurrence was suspected. The minimum follow-up (FU) was 18 months. Success was defined as no need for subsequent dilatation, direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU), or urethroplasty. Results: A total of thirty-six patients with a mean age of 45 years (range 20 to 69 years) with bulbar urethral stricture were included in this study. Group 1 and Group 2 included 19 and 17 patients, respectively. Two patients were lost during randomization and subsequently to FU. The average stricture lengths were comparable between the two groups according to the retrograde urethrogram: 1.20 cm (range 0.6 to 2) in Group 1 and 1.27 cm (range 0.5 to 2.4) in Group 2, respectively (p = 0.631). The success rate for Group 1 was 90% after a mean follow-up of thirty-six months (range 20 to 40), which was clinically significant compared to the 71% in Group 2 after a mean FU of thirty-three months (range 19 to 40; p = 0.0218; 95% CI: 0.462–41.5766). Conclusions: Anastomotic urethroplasty (AR) performed with a double layer re-anastomosis had a cure rate comparable to the conventional anastomosis with interrupted sutures after a follow-up of eighteen months and longer. The urethral catheter can be safely removed within twenty-four hours after the excision of stricture and double-layer re-anastomosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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7 pages, 396 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Experience with Balloon Dilation for Short Bulbar and Membranous Urethral Strictures: Establishing a Baseline in the Active Drug Treatment Era
by Lauren A. Beeder, Grayden S. Cook, Samantha W. Nealon, Shervin Badkhshan, Sarah C. Sanders, Dylan P. Perito, Steven J. Hudak and Allen F. Morey
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(11), 3095; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11113095 - 30 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2607
Abstract
Transurethral balloon dilation (BD) is a minimally invasive treatment for urethral stricture disease (USD) performed primarily or as a recurrence salvage maneuver. With the introduction of drug-coated balloons, we sought to characterize patient outcomes using non-medicated balloons. A retrospective review identified patients who [...] Read more.
Transurethral balloon dilation (BD) is a minimally invasive treatment for urethral stricture disease (USD) performed primarily or as a recurrence salvage maneuver. With the introduction of drug-coated balloons, we sought to characterize patient outcomes using non-medicated balloons. A retrospective review identified patients who underwent BD from 2007 to 2021. Patient and stricture characteristics were collected. All dilations employed the 24Fr UroMaxTM system. Clinical failure was defined by patient-reported lower urinary tract symptom recurrence or need for further stricture management. Ninety-one patients underwent BD with follow-up median (IQR) 12 (3–40) months. Most (75/91, 82%) had prior treatment for USD (endoscopic 50/91 (55%), 51/91 (56%) urethroplasty) before BD. Recurrence rates did not significantly differ between treatment-naïve and salvage patients (44% vs. 52% (p = 0.55)). Median (IQR) time to failure was 6 (3–13) months. The most common complications were urinary tract infection (8%) and post-operative urinary retention requiring catheterization (3%). Radiation history was noted in 33/91 (36%) with 45% recurrence. Patients without previous radiation had a similar recurrence rate of 52% (p = 0.88). Balloon dilation had minimal complications and overall, 50% recurrence rate, consistent regardless of stricture characteristics, radiation history, or prior treatments. These results represent an important clinical benchmark for comparing outcomes using drug-coated balloons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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9 pages, 211 KiB  
Article
Opiate Prescriptions Vary among Common Urologic Procedures: A Claims Dataset Analysis
by Anish B. Patel, Praveen N. Satarasinghe, Victoria Valencia, Jessica L. Wenzel, Jack C. Webb, J. Stuart Wolf, Jr. and E. Charles Osterberg
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051329 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1197
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to better understand differences in the total days’ supply and fills of common opiates following urologic procedures. Materials and Methods: The Truven Health MarketScan® database was used to extract CPT codes from adults 18 years or older who [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aimed to better understand differences in the total days’ supply and fills of common opiates following urologic procedures. Materials and Methods: The Truven Health MarketScan® database was used to extract CPT codes from adults 18 years or older who underwent a urologic procedure with 90-day follow-up from 2012–2015 within the Austin–Round Rock, Texas metropolitan service area. A multivariate analysis and first hurdle modeling with a logistic outcome for any opiates was used to (1) assess differences in opioid prescribing patterns, (2) investigate opioid prescription outcomes, and (3) explore variability among opiate prescription patterns across seven urologic procedure categories. Results: Among the 2312 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 23.7% received an opiate, with an average total day’s supply of 6.20 (range 2.61–10.59). The proportion of patients receiving opiates varied significantly by procedure type (p = 0.028). Patients that had reconstructive procedures had the highest proportion of any opiates and the highest number of mean opiate prescriptions among the seven procedure categories (42% received opiates, p = 0.028, mean opiate prescriptions were 1.0 among all patients, p = 0.026). After adjustments, the multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients undergoing reconstructive procedures filled more opiate prescriptions (odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00–3.50, p = 0.05) compared to other subcategories. Of those that received opiates, reconstructive patients had a shorter time to fills (mean −18.4 days, CI −8.40 to −28.50, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients undergoing reconstructive procedures are prescribed and fill more opiates compared to other common urological procedures. The standardization and implementation of postoperative pain regimens may help curtail this variability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
12 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
Surgical and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Delayed Anastomotic Urethroplasty for Male Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injury at a Japanese Referral Center
by Akio Horiguchi, Masayuki Shinchi, Kenichiro Ojima, Yusuke Hirano, Keiichi Ito and Ryuichi Azuma
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(5), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051225 - 24 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1739
Abstract
We aimed to assess the surgical and patient-reported outcomes of delayed anastomotic urethroplasty (DAU) for pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI). We included 211 male patients who underwent DAU for PFUI. DAU success was considered when the urethral lumen was sufficiently large for the [...] Read more.
We aimed to assess the surgical and patient-reported outcomes of delayed anastomotic urethroplasty (DAU) for pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI). We included 211 male patients who underwent DAU for PFUI. DAU success was considered when the urethral lumen was sufficiently large for the passage of a flexible cystoscope, without additional treatment required. The patients completed the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)-related quality of life (QOL) questionnaire (scores: 0, not at all; 1, a little; 2, somewhat; 3, a lot), EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D), and EQ-5D visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). Postoperative overall satisfaction was evaluated using the following responses: “very satisfied,” “satisfied,” “unsatisfied,” or “very unsatisfied.” DAU was successful in 95.3% cases, with a median postoperative follow-up duration of 48 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that “greater blood loss” was an independent predictor of failed urethroplasty. Questionnaire responses were obtained from 80.1% patients. The mean LUTS-related QOL, EQ-5D score and EQ-VAS improved significantly from 2.8, 0.63 and 54.4 at baseline to 0.9, 0.81 and 76.6 postoperatively (p < 0.0001 for all parameters). Moreover, 35.5% and 59.2% of the patients responded being “satisfied” and “very satisfied,” respectively, with their DAU outcomes. DAU not only had a high surgical success rate, but also a significant beneficial effect on both LUTS-related QOL and overall health-related QOL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
7 pages, 462 KiB  
Article
Revisiting One-Stage Urethroplasties for Distal Urethral Strictures
by Matthias D. Hofer, Lauren Folgosa Cooley, Ayman Elmasri and Francisco E. Martins
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5905; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245905 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5205
Abstract
Background: Reconstructive approaches for distal urethral strictures range from simple meatotomy to utilizing grafts or flaps depending on the etiology, length and location. We describe a contemporary cohort of distal urethral strictures and report a surgical technique termed distal one-stage urethroplasty developed to [...] Read more.
Background: Reconstructive approaches for distal urethral strictures range from simple meatotomy to utilizing grafts or flaps depending on the etiology, length and location. We describe a contemporary cohort of distal urethral strictures and report a surgical technique termed distal one-stage urethroplasty developed to address the majority of distal urethral strictures encountered. Methods: Thirty-four patients were included. The mean age was 56.7 years (range 15.7–84.9 years), the mean stricture length was 1.1 cm (0.5–1.5) and the mean follow-up was 42.5 months (28–61.3). Results: The vast majority of distal strictures (27/34 (79.4%)) were treated with our hybrid one-stage approach combining a distal urethral reconstruction with excision of the scar tissue without the need to use grafts or flaps. The average stricture length was 0.68 cm and average operative time was 24.43 min. Post-operative spraying was reported in a minority of patients (4/27 (14.8%)). The length of stricture and surgery were significantly longer in those 7/34 (20.6%) patients in whom grafts or flaps were used (2.88 cm and 154.8 min, respectively, p < 0.001 for both when compared to the hybrid one-stage approach). We noted 6/34 (17.6%) recurrences of distal urethral strictures, all of which were treated successfully with graft and flap repairs. Conclusions: The vast majority of distal urethral strictures are amenable to a distal one-stage urethroplasty, avoiding the use of grafts and/or flaps while achieving reasonable outcomes. This limited approach, at least initially, is associated with shorter operative time and time of catheter placement and avoids morbidity associated with graft or flap harvesting. Spraying of urine is seldomly encountered and comparable to other approaches addressing distal urethral strictures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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9 pages, 1412 KiB  
Article
Prior Placement of Male Urethral Slings Can Increase the Need for Revision of Artificial Urinary Sphincters
by Emily M. Yura, Christopher J. Staniorski, Jason E. Cohen, Liqi Chen, Ashima Singal, Francisco E. Martins and Matthias D. Hofer
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5842; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245842 - 13 Dec 2021
Viewed by 2317
Abstract
Background: Recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following male sling can be managed surgically with artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) insertion. Prior small, single-center retrospective studies have not demonstrated an association between having failed a sling procedure and worse AUS outcomes. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Background: Recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following male sling can be managed surgically with artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) insertion. Prior small, single-center retrospective studies have not demonstrated an association between having failed a sling procedure and worse AUS outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of primary AUS placement in men who had or had not undergone a previous sling procedure. Methods: A retrospective review of all AUS devices implanted at a single academic center during 2000–2018 was performed. After excluding secondary AUS placements, revision and explant procedures, 135 patients were included in this study, of which 19 (14.1%) patients had undergone prior sling procedures. Results: There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between patients undergoing AUS placement with or without a prior sling procedure. Average follow up time was 28.0 months. Prior sling was associated with shorter overall device survival, with an increased likelihood of requiring revision or replacement of the device (OR 4.2 (1.3–13.2), p = 0.015) as well as reoperation for any reason (OR 3.5 (1.2–9.9), p = 0.019). While not statistically significant, patients with a prior sling were more likely to note persistent incontinence at most recent follow up (68.8% vs. 42.7%, p = 0.10). Conclusions: Having undergone a prior sling procedure is associated with shorter device survival and need for revision or replacement surgery. When considering patients for sling procedures, patients should be counseled regarding the potential for worse AUS outcomes should they require additional anti-incontinence procedures following a failed sling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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11 pages, 1112 KiB  
Article
Multi-Institutional Study of Dorsal Onlay Urethroplasty of the Membranous Urethra after Endoscopic Prostate Procedures: Operative Results, Continence, Erectile Function and Patient Reported Outcomes
by Javier C. Angulo, Juan F. Dorado, Connor G. Policastro, Francisco E. Martins, Keith Rourke, Erick A. Ramírez, Jay Simhan, Eric S. Li, Paul Rusilko, Krishnan Venkatesan, Jonathan N. Warner, Jaime Gago, Ignacio Arance and Dmitriy Nikolavsky
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(17), 3969; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10173969 - 2 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3204
Abstract
(1) Background: To critically evaluate dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (DOBMGU) for posterior urethral stenosis repair following transurethral resection and other endoscopic prostate procedures. (2) Methods: A retrospective multi-institutional review of patients with membranous or bulbomembranous urethral stenosis for whom treatment with [...] Read more.
(1) Background: To critically evaluate dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (DOBMGU) for posterior urethral stenosis repair following transurethral resection and other endoscopic prostate procedures. (2) Methods: A retrospective multi-institutional review of patients with membranous or bulbomembranous urethral stenosis for whom treatment with DOBMGU was conducted after receipt of prostate endoscopic procedures. Baseline data, peri-operative care, post-operative care and patient-reported outcomes were analyzed. The primary outcomes were procedural failure and development of de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The secondary outcomes were changes in voiding, sexual function and patient satisfaction. (3) Results: A total of 107 men with a mean age of 69 ± 9.5 years and stenosis length of 3.5 ± 1.8 cm were included. Prior endoscopic procedures among participants were 47 patients (44%) with monopolar TURP, 33 (30.8%) with bipolar TURP, 16 (15%) with Greenlight laser, 9 (8.4%) with Holmium laser enucleation and 2 (1.9%) with bladder neck incision. At a mean follow-up time of 59.3 ± 45.1 months, stenosis recurred in 10 patients (9.35%). Multivariate analysis confirmed that postoperative complications (OR 12.5; p = 0.009), history of radiation (OR 8.3; p = 0.016) and ≥2 dilatations before urethroplasty (OR 8.3; p = 0.032) were independent predictors of recurrence. Only one patient (0.9%) developed de novo SUI. Patients experienced significant improvement in PVR (128 to 60 cc; p = 0.001), Uroflow (6.2 to 16.8 cc/s; p = 0.001), SHIM (11.5 to 11.7; p = 0.028), IPSS (20 to 7.7; p < 0.001) and QoL (4.4 to 1.7; p < 0.001), and 87 cases (81.3%) reported a GRA of + 2 or better. (4) Conclusions: DOBMGU is an effective and safe option for patients with posterior urethral stenosis following TURP and other prostate endoscopic procedures. This non-transecting approach minimizes external urinary sphincter manipulation, thus limiting postoperative risk of SUI or erectile dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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Review

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12 pages, 230 KiB  
Review
Artificial Urinary Sphincter Complications: A Narrative Review
by Ryan L. Frazier, Marilyn E. Jones and Matthias D. Hofer
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13071913 - 26 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1394
Abstract
Stress urinary incontinence is a financially burdensome and socially isolating problem and can be experienced by men as a result of radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, or other urologic surgery. Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement for stress urinary incontinence is considered the ‘gold standard’ [...] Read more.
Stress urinary incontinence is a financially burdensome and socially isolating problem and can be experienced by men as a result of radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, or other urologic surgery. Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement for stress urinary incontinence is considered the ‘gold standard’ for male stress urinary incontinence. While initially only placed by specialized prosthetic surgeons, changes in urologic training have made implantation of the device by general urologists more widespread. Additionally, even though a minority of urologists place the majority of implants, many urologists may find themselves caring for patients with these devices even if they have never placed them themselves. For this reason, it is paramount that the urologic surgeon implanting the device and those caring for patients with prostheses are familiar with the various perioperative and postoperative complications of AUS implantation. This review discusses the most commonly reported complications of AUS implantation as well as those that are rarely described. Knowledge of these potential complications is necessary in order to care for patients with urologic implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
15 pages, 328 KiB  
Review
Erectile Dysfunction in Pelvic Cancer Survivors and Current Management Options
by Jose Bernal, Krishnan Venkatesan and Francisco E. Martins
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(7), 2697; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072697 - 4 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1669
Abstract
Pelvic malignancies, including prostate, rectal, and bladder cancers, are among the most frequent malignancies found in the male population. These issues are most effectively and commonly treated with radiotherapy and/or surgery. However, these treatments can cause collateral damage, resulting in significant impacts on [...] Read more.
Pelvic malignancies, including prostate, rectal, and bladder cancers, are among the most frequent malignancies found in the male population. These issues are most effectively and commonly treated with radiotherapy and/or surgery. However, these treatments can cause collateral damage, resulting in significant impacts on quality of life, with erectile dysfunction being one of the most frequent postoperative complications. Currently, there are several treatment options for erectile dysfunction, including oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, vacuum erection devices, intracorporeal injections, and penile prosthesis. The latter has shown to be an effective and safe technique, with results comparable to those obtained by patients without pelvic surgery or radiotherapy. The results of early penile rehabilitation programs are promising and they have been incorporated into a greater proportion of treatment plans more recently, with varying degrees of success. In this narrative review, we summarize the literature on erectile dysfunction after pelvic cancer treatments and its management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
16 pages, 1199 KiB  
Review
Urethral Injuries: Diagnostic and Management Strategies for Critical Care and Trauma Clinicians
by Anish B. Patel, E. Charles Osterberg, Praveen N. Satarasinghe, Jessica L. Wenzel, Sabah T. Akbani, Saad L. Sahi, Brent J. Emigh, J. Stuart Wolf, Jr. and Carlos V. R. Brown
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(4), 1495; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12041495 - 13 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 14738
Abstract
Urologic trauma is a well-known cause of urethral injury with a range of management recommendations. Retrograde urethrogram remains the preferred initial diagnostic modality to evaluate a suspected urethral injury. The management thereafter varies based on mechanism of injury. Iatrogenic urethral injury is often [...] Read more.
Urologic trauma is a well-known cause of urethral injury with a range of management recommendations. Retrograde urethrogram remains the preferred initial diagnostic modality to evaluate a suspected urethral injury. The management thereafter varies based on mechanism of injury. Iatrogenic urethral injury is often caused by traumatic catheterization and is best managed by an attempted catheterization performed by an experienced clinician or suprapubic catheter to maximize urinary drainage. Penetrating trauma, most commonly associated with gunshot wounds, can cause either an anterior and/or posterior urethral injury and is best treated with early operative repair. Blunt trauma, most commonly associated with straddle injuries and pelvic fractures, can be treated with either early primary endoscopic realignment or delayed urethroplasty after suprapubic cystostomy. With any of the above injury patterns and treatment options, a well thought out and regimented follow-up with a urologist is of utmost importance for accurate assessment of outcomes and appropriate management of complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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9 pages, 2119 KiB  
Review
Non-Transecting Urethroplasty for Bulbar Urethral Strictures—Narrative Review and Treatment Algorithm
by Nathaniel Coddington, Margaret Higgins, Abrar Mian and Brian Flynn
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(23), 7033; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11237033 - 28 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3162
Abstract
The bulbar urethra is the most common site of stricture disease for which urethroplasty remains standard of care. A decrease in trauma as an etiology in the developed world and concerns regarding sexual dysfunction related to transection of the corpus spongiosum have placed [...] Read more.
The bulbar urethra is the most common site of stricture disease for which urethroplasty remains standard of care. A decrease in trauma as an etiology in the developed world and concerns regarding sexual dysfunction related to transection of the corpus spongiosum have placed a renewed emphasis on non-transecting urethroplasty techniques. Here, we present our surgical algorithm with emphasis on non-transecting techniques for bulbar urethral stricture disease and review the current state of literature comparing transecting to non-transecting approaches in order to provide guidance to practitioners on patient selection, counseling, and technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

10 pages, 399 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review on Postoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis after Pediatric and Adult Male Urethral Reconstruction
by Łukasz Białek, Marta Rydzińska, Malte W. Vetterlein, Jakub Dobruch and Michał A. Skrzypczyk
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(19), 6162; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12196162 - 24 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1416
Abstract
In the era of antibiotic overuse and increasing antibiotic resistance, there is a gap in evidence regarding antibiotic stewardship, and in particular, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis after urethral reconstruction. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of postoperative [...] Read more.
In the era of antibiotic overuse and increasing antibiotic resistance, there is a gap in evidence regarding antibiotic stewardship, and in particular, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis after urethral reconstruction. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis after male pediatric and adult urethral reconstruction. An online search of MEDLINE database via PubMed was performed. The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022348555) and was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and AMSTAR 2 checklist. A narrative synthesis of included studies was performed. After the screening of 1176 publications, six studies regarding antibiotic prophylaxis after hypospadias reconstruction and two studies regarding antibiotic prophylaxis after urethroplasty in adults were eligible to be included in the systematic review. All but one of the studies on hypospadias repair showed no benefit from postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. The level of evidence on postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis after urethroplasty in adults is low. Neither of the two studies included in the review showed a benefit from antibiotic use. Postoperative prophylaxis after hypospadias repair is not effective in preventing urinary tract infections and wound infections. It seems that the use of postoperative prophylaxis after urethroplasty in adults is also not beneficial, but there is a high need for high-quality scientific data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Urethral Reconstruction)
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