To Transect or Not Transect: Results from the Scandinavian Urethroplasty Study, A Multicentre Randomised Study of Bulbar Urethroplasty Comparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis Versus Buccal Mucosal Grafting

Bulbar urethroplasty techniques and stricture recurrence: differences between end-to-end urethroplasty versus the use of graft

Urethral stricture (US) affects most commonly the anterior portion of the urethra, concretely the bulbar, with a significant incidence in men. Open urethroplasty is the gold standard treatment. However, stricture recurrence (SR) remains a current subject of concern. The aim of the present review is to provide an updated literature summary on surgical urethroplasty techniques for bulbar US and prognostic factors for SR, comparing the different approaches. For short strictures, excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) is the preferred option, with success rates exceeding 90%. Substitution techniques are usually required for longer strictures (>2-3cm). Buccal mucosa graft (BMG) remains the first choice as it complies with ideal features, with no significant differences regarding the site of graft implantation. Stricture length, time since urethroplasty and number of previous urethral interventions are risk factors for failure. Also, surgeon's experience affects technique selection and future outcomes. There seems to be consensus on a higher SR rate following substitution techniques compared to EPA, which appears to be influenced by the stricture length, usually longer in the former group. Furthermore, there is a trend in favor of endoscopic management of SR, except for long and complex recurrences where grafts should be used. In conclusion, multiple urethroplasty techniques are available and selection must be carefully individualized, focusing on stricture characteristics, patient's history, and surgeon's experience. Well-designed studies with clear definitions and follow-up protocols are still necessary to develop standardized guidelines on the management of bulbar US.

The urinary and sexual outcomes of buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty versus end-to-end anastomosis: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Background

The urinary and sexual outcomes after urethroplasty may be a concern for patients, but there are still some controversies regarding the consequences of buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (BMG) in terms of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

This meta-analysis aimed to compare urinary and sexual outcomes of BMG and end-to-end urethroplasty (EE).

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched until February 31, 2023. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by 2 designated researchers. Dichotomous data were analyzed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity across studies was assessed by the I2 quantification, and publication bias using Begg's and Egger's tests. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software.

Outcomes

Outcomes included stricture recurrence, ED, penile complications, and voiding symptoms.

Results

Eighteen studies, including 1648 participants, were included in our meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in stricture recurrence (OR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.48-1.13; P = .17) and voiding symptoms (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 0.32-3.88; P = .86) between the BMG group and the EE group. BMG was associated with lower risk of penile complications (OR = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.24-0.69; P = .001) and ED (OR = 0.53, 95% CI, 0.32-0.90, P = .02).

Clinical Implications

The study may help clinicians choose procedures that achieve better recovery of the urological and sexual function in the treatment of urethral stricture.

Strengths and Limitations

This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the urinary and sexual outcomes of BMG vs EE. A limitation is that most of the included studies were retrospective cohort studies.

Conclusion

BMG is as effective as EE in the treatment of bulbar urethral stricture, but BMG has fewer complications and ED than EE.

[Urethral reconstruction]

A urethral stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the urethra due to spongiofibrosis of the urethral mucosa and the underlying corpus spongiosum. The diagnostics include uroflowmetry, sonography and radiology. For penile strictures the success rate of endoscopic treatment is low. Therefore, urethroplasty should always be performed, preferably using oral mucosa. Depending on the complexity, reconstruction must be carried out in one or multiple stages. For short bulbous strictures endoscopic treatment can primarily be carried out. In the case of recurrence urethroplasty should be carried out. The indications for urethral reconstruction are primarily given for long bulbous strictures. Depending on the length and extent of the stricture, a scar resection and end-to-end anastomosis, non-transsecting end-to-end anastomosis or augmentation urethroplasty can be performed. Perineal urethrostomy (the so-called boutonnière procedure) is a treatment option for patients with complex strictures or for patients who want a straightforward solution.

Low risk of erectile dysfunction after nontransecting bulbar urethroplasty for urethral stricture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sexual function after urethroplasty may be a concern for patients, but there are still some controversies regarding the consequences of nontransecting bulbar urethroplasty (ntBU) in terms of erectile dysfunction (ED).

AIM

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of ntBU with that of transecting bulbar urethroplasty (tBU).

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched and reviewed up to October 31, 2022. Quality evaluation was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale system and Cochrane tools for the nonrandomized and randomized studies, respectively. Baseline characteristics, preoperative information, and postoperative outcomes were collected.

OUTCOMES

Outcomes included success rate, ED, overall complication, and maximum urinary flow.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies comprising 1683 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 596 and 1087 patients undergoing ntBU and tBU, respectively. The results revealed that compared with the tBU group, the patients who underwent ntBU had a significantly lower incidence of ED, while there were no significant differences in the other perioperative outcomes. In subgroup analysis, the nontransecting anastomotic urethroplasty group had a lower incidence of ED than excision and primary anastomosis, and other perioperative outcomes were similar between the 2 groups.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The results of the study may help clinicians choose procedures that protect sexual function in the treatment of urethral stricture.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

The strength of this study is that it is, to our knowledge, the first meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ntBU. A limitation is that most of the included studies were retrospective cohort studies.

CONCLUSION

ntBU preserves the high efficacy of its transecting counterpart while reducing postoperative ED.

Mucomucosal anastomotic non-transecting augmentation (MANTA) urethroplasty: a ventral modification for obliterative strictures

OBJECTIVES

To present a surgical modification for the repair of bulbar urethral strictures containing short, highly obliterative segments and report on long-term objective and patient-reported outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We considered patients undergoing bulbar buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (BMGU) between July 2016 and December 2019. Eligibility criteria for mucomucosal anastomotic non-transecting augmentation (MANTA) urethroplasty were strictures of ≥2 cm with an obliterative segment of ≤1.5 cm. The stricture is approached ventrally to avoid extensive dissection and mobilisation. Dorsally, the scar is superficially excised and the spongiosum is left intact. Dorsal mucomucosal anastomosis is complemented by ventral onlay graft. Perioperative characteristics were prospectively collected including uroflowmetry data and validated patient-reported outcome measures on voiding, erectile, and continence function. We evaluated functional follow-up, incorporating patient-reported (lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS] score) and functional success. Recurrence was defined as need of re-treatment.

RESULTS

Of 641 men treated with anterior BMGU, 54 (8.4%) underwent MANTA urethroplasty. Overall, 26 (48%) and 45 (83%) had a history of dilatation and urethrotomy, respectively, and 14 (26%) were redo cases. Location was bulbar in 38 (70%) and penobulbar in 16 patients (30%), and the mean (SD) graft length was 4.5 (1.4) cm. At a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 41 (27-53) months, the functional success rate was 93%. Whereas the median LUTS score significantly improved from baseline to postoperatively (13 vs 3.5; P < 0.001), there was no change in erectile function (median International Index of Erectile Function - erectile function domain score 27 vs 24) or urinary continence (median International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form sum score 0 vs 0; all P ≥ 0.4). All patients were 'satisfied' (27%) or 'very satisfied' (73%) with the outcome of their operation.

CONCLUSION

With excellent long-term objective and patient-reported outcomes, MANTA urethroplasty adds to the armamentarium for long bulbar strictures with a short obliterative segment.

Outcomes of transecting versus non-transecting urethroplasty for bulbar urethral stricture: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess outcomes of transecting vs non-transecting urethroplasty for bulbar urethral stricture in terms of stricture recurrence rate, sexual dysfunction, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) related to lower urinary tract (LUT) function.

METHODS

Electronic literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases. The studied population was limited to men with bulbar urethral stricture included in studies that compared outcomes after transecting and non-transecting urethroplasty. The main outcome appraised was the stricture recurrence rate. Additionally, the incidence of sexual dysfunction appraised in three domains (erectile function, penile complications, and ejaculatory function) and PROMs related to LUT function after transecting vs non-transecting urethroplasty were assessed. The pooled risk ratio (RR) respectively for stricture recurrence, erectile dysfunction and penile complications was calculated using a fixed-effect model with inverse variance method.

RESULTS

In all, 694 studies were screened with 72 identified as relevant. Finally, 19 studies were suitable for analysis. The pooled difference between the transecting and non-transecting groups relating to stricture recurrence was not significant. Overall, the RR was 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82-1.36) and the 95% CI crossed the line of no effect (line RR = 1). Overall, the RR for erectile dysfunction was 0.73 (95% CI 0.49-1.08) and the 95% CI crossed the line of no effect (line RR = 1). Overall, the RR for penile complications was 0.47 (95% CI 0.28-0.76) and the 95% CI did not cross the line of no effect (line RR = 1). Hence, the risk of penile complications was significantly lower in the non-transecting group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis of available evidence indicates that both transecting and non-transecting urethroplasties, are equal in terms of the recurrence rate. On the other hand, non-transecting techniques are better in terms of sexual function, causing less penile complications.

Optimizing decision-making after ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty failure

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate factors predicting recurrence after treatment and to assess the best rescue option for patients failing buccal mucosa graft (BMG) urethroplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the data from 575 patients treated with ventral onlay BMG urethroplasty. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of BMG urethroplasty failure, and their effect on failure risk was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank tests. Then, for those patients who underwent a rescue treatment, namely, direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) vs open urethroplasty, we assessed the probability of success after retreatment using the Kaplan-Meier method and regression tree analyses.

RESULTS

On multivariable Cox regression analysis, only stricture length ≥5 cm (hazard ratio 3.46, 95% confidence interval 1.50-7.94; P = 0.003) was a predictor of failure. A total of 103 patients had at least one re-intervention. Notably, 12-month success rates after first rescue DVIU, second rescue DVIU, third rescue DVIU, and fourth rescue DVIU were 66.3%, 62.5%, 37.5% and 25%, respectively. Conversely, for those patients who underwent open urethroplasty retreatment, success rates at 12 months were 83.3%, 79%, 92.3% and 75% after BMG ventral onlay, first rescue DVIU, second rescue DVIU and third rescue DVIU, respectively. These data were confirmed in regression tree analyses.

CONCLUSION

Ventral BMG urethroplasty fails in approximately one out of five patients. Despite DVIU as a rescue treatment being a good option, its success rate becomes lower as the number of DVIU treatments performed increases. Conversely, open urethroplasty improves patient outcomes in almost three out of four patients, even in the case of previous failed DVIU treatments for stricture recurrence.

Non-Transecting Urethroplasty for Bulbar Urethral Strictures-Narrative Review and Treatment Algorithm

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.