Combined stent and artificial urinary sphincter for management of severe recurrent bladder neck contracture and stress incontinence after prostatectomy: a long-term evaluation

Post-prostatectomy anastomotic stenosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of endoscopic treatment

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of endoscopic procedures for treating vesico-urethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) after prostatectomy, as initial VUAS management remains unclear.

METHODS

A search of the MEDLINE database, the Cochrane database, and clinicaltrials.gov was performed (last search February 2023) using the following query: (['bladder neck' OR 'vesicourethral anastomotic' OR 'anastomotic'] AND ['stricture' OR 'stenosis' OR 'contracture'] AND 'prostatectomy'). The primary outcome was the success rate of VUAS treatment, defined by the proportion (%) of patients without VUAS recurrence at the end of follow-up.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 420 studies. After the screening, 78 reports were assessed for eligibility, and 40 studies were included in the review. The pooled characteristics of the 40 studies provided a total of 1452 patients, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up of 23.7 (13-32) months and age of 66 (64-68) years. The overall success rate (95% confidence interval [CI]) of all endoscopic procedures for VUAS treatment was 72.8% (64.4%-79.9%). Meta-regression models showed a negative influence of radiotherapy on the overall success rate (P = 0.012). After trim-and-fill (addition of 10 studies), the corrected overall success rate (95% CI) was 62.9% (53.6%-71.4%).

CONCLUSION

This first meta-analysis of endoscopic treatment success rate after VUAS reported an overall success rate of 72.8%, lowered to 62.9% after correcting for significant publication bias. This study also highlighted the need for a more thorough reporting of post-prostatectomy VUAS data to understand the treatment pathway and provide higher-quality evidence-based care.

Devastated Bladder Outlet in Pelvic Cancer Survivors: Issues on Surgical Reconstruction and Quality of Life

Bladder outlet obstruction following treatment of pelvic cancer, predominantly prostate cancer, occurs in 1-8% of patients. The high incidence of prostate cancer combined with the long-life expectancy after treatment has increased concerns with cancer survivorship care. However, despite increased oncological cure rates, these adverse events do occur, compromising patients' quality of life. Non-traumatic obstruction of the posterior urethra and bladder neck include membranous and prostatic urethral stenosis and bladder neck stenosis (also known as contracture). The devastated bladder outlet can result from benign conditions, such as neurogenic dysfunction, trauma, iatrogenic causes, or more frequently from complications of oncologic treatment, such as prostate, bladder and rectum. Most posterior urethral stenoses may respond to endoluminal treatments such as dilatation, direct vision internal urethrotomy, and occasionally urethral stents. Although surgical reconstruction offers the best chance of durable success, these reconstructive options are fraught with severe complications and, therefore, are far from being ideal. In patients with prior RT, failed reconstruction, densely fibrotic and/or necrotic and calcified posterior urethra, refractory incontinence or severe comorbidities, reconstruction may not be either feasible or recommended. In these cases, urinary diversion with or without cystectomy is usually required. This review aims to discuss the diagnostic evaluation and treatment options for patients with bladder outlet obstruction with a special emphasis on patients unsuitable for reconstruction of the posterior urethra and requiring urinary diversion.

Contemporary Management of Vesico-Urethral Anastomotic Stenosis After Radical Prostatectomy

Vesico-urethral anastomotic stenosis is a well-known sequela after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer and has significant impact on quality of life. This review aims to summarize contemporary therapeutical approaches and to give an overview of the available evidence regarding endoscopic interventions and open reconstruction. Initial treatment may include dilation, incision or transurethral resection. In treatment-refractory stenoses, open reconstruction via an abdominal (retropubic), transperineal or combined abdominoperineal approach is a viable option with high success rates. All of the open surgical procedures are generally accompanied by a high risk of developing de novo incontinence and patients may need further interventions. In such cases, subsequent artificial urinary sphincter implantation is the most common treatment option with the best available evidence.

Intralesional steroid injection combined with bladder neck incision is efficacious in the treatment of recurrent bladder neck contracture

OBJECTIVES

Bladder neck contracture (BNC) is a well-recognized complication following radical prostatectomy (RP). This problem may recur after failing initial endoscopic management. This study evaluated the efficacy of intralesional steroid injection combined with bladder neck incision (BNI) for recurrent BNC following RP.

METHODS

Between November 2011 and March 2018, data from all men who underwent BNI and intralesional steroid injection for recurrent BNC from a single regional center were collected. BNC was diagnosed endoscopically and identified as recurrent if having previously failed endoscopic management with BNI alone. Follow up was initially performed at 3 months with an International Prostate Symptom Score and urinary flow rate. Patients were noted to be recurrence-free when discharged from follow up or after having undergone a continence procedure indicating stability of the contracture.

RESULTS

Thirty patients underwent BNI and intralesional steroid injection for recurrent BNC over the study period. All patients had received prior endoscopic incision of BNC without lasting success. Seventy percent (21/30) of patients were recurrence-free post-procedure, and this increased to 83.3% (25/30) after a repeat procedure in four patients. All five patients who had previous salvage radiotherapy had their recurrent BNC successfully managed with one BNI and intralesional steroid injection. The mean follow up was 33.4 months (range 7-75). There were no adverse events recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

BNI combined with injection of intralesional steroids is a simple, cost-effective intervention which requires no specialist equipment/skills outside the realm of a general urologist. It is safe and has an excellent success rate.

[Influence of urethral self-dilatation on the morbidity of the artificial urinary sphincter after endoscopic treatment of recurrent stenosis of the vesicourethral anastomosis]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the morbidity of the practice of daily self-dilatation (SD) in patients undergoing total prostatectomy, who have had artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) for urinary incontinence (UI) and who have had a recurrence of endoscopically treated vesicourethral anastomosis (VUS) stenosis.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

One hundred and thirty-eight patients with SUA for urinary incontinence (UI) fitted between 1998 and 2007 were divided into two groups. Thirty-five patients have had used self-dilatation (SD) for recurrent anastomotic stenosis (SD group) and 103 patients did not perform SD (non-SD group). These two groups were compared for explantation rate (erosion-infection), revision rate (urethral atrophy and mechanical failure) and 2-year functional results. The uni- and multivariate statistical analysis taken into consideration confounding factors such as age and radiotherapy history. The functional assessment was done by the validated IQoL, Ditrovie and MHU tests.

RESULTS

Patients in both groups were comparable except for the importance of urinary incontinence assessed by PAD test and questionnaires. The explantation rate was significantly higher in the "SD" group (28.5% vs 7.77%) and (OR=4.68, 95% CI [1.490-15.257], P=0.006). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the surgical revision rate (32% vs 20%, OR=0.44, P=0.09). The functional results at two years did not show any significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of self-dilation for recurrence of stenosis of vesicourethral anastomosis after prostatectomy exposes patients fitted with an SUA to a higher explantation rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Anastomosis stenosis after radical prostatectomy and bladder neck stenosis after benign prostate hyperplasia treatment: reconstructive options]

Bladder neck stenosis (BNS) after simple prostatectomy and vesicourethral anastomosis stenosis (VUAS) after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer are common sequelae. However, the two entities differ in their pathology, anatomy and their surgical results. VUAS has an incidence of 0.2-28%. Commonly, VUAS occurs within the first 2 years after surgery. Initial therapy should be performed endourologically: dilatation, (laser) incision or resection. After three unsuccessful treatment attempts, open reconstruction should be considered. Different surgical approaches (abdominal, perineal, abdominoperineal) have been described. All are associated with good success rates. However, they are accompanied by high rates of urinary incontinence. Incontinence can be treated safely by implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter. The incidence of BNS is around 5% for all types of surgery for benign prostate hyperplasia. It occurs within the first 2 years after surgery. Initial treatment should be performed endourologically. In case of recalcitrant BNS, open reconstruction is indicated. The YV-plasty is an established procedure, and the T‑plasty represents a modification. Success rates of both procedures are high. Robot-assisted reconstructive procedures have been described for both VUAS and BNS.

Safety and effectiveness evaluation of open reanastomosis for obliterative or recalcitrant anastomotic stricture after radical retropubic prostatectomy

Purpose:

To evaluate safety, efficacy and functional outcomes after open vesicourethral re - anastomosis using different approaches based on previous urinary continence.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective study of patients treated from 2002 to 2017 due to vesicourethral anastomosis stricture (VUAS) post radical prostatectomy (RP) who failed endoscopic treatment with at least 3 months of follow-up. Continent and incontinent patients post RP were assigned to abdominal (AA) or perineal approach (PA), respectively. Demographic and perioperative variables were registered. Follow-up was completed with clinical interview, uroflowmetry and cystoscopy every 4 months. Success was defined as asymptomatic patients with urethral lumen that allows a 14 French flexible cystoscope.

Results:

Twenty patients underwent open re-anastomosis for VUAS after RP between 2002 and 2017. Mean age was 63.7 years (standard deviation 1.4) and median follow-up was 10 months (range 3 – 112). The approach distribution was PA 10 patients (50%) and AA 10 patients (50%). The mean surgery time and median hospital time were 246.2 ± 35.8 minutes and 4 days (range 2 – 10), respectively with no differences between approaches. No significant complication rate was found. Three patients in the AA group had gait disorder with favorable evolution and no sequels.

Estimated 2 years primary success rate was 80%. After primary procedures 89.9% remained stenosis - free. All PA patients remained incontinent, and 90% AA remained continent during follow-up.

Conclusion:

Open vesicourethral re - anastomosis treatment is a reasonable treatment option for recurrent VUAS after RP. All patients with perineal approach remained incontinent while incontinence rate in abdominal approach was rather low.

Management of bladder neck stenosis and urethral stricture and stenosis following treatment for prostate cancer

The aim of this review is to examine all urethral strictures and stenoses subsequent to treatment for prostate cancer, including radical prostatectomy (RP), radiotherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy. The overall majority respond to endoscopic treatment, including dilatation, direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) or bladder neck incision (BNI). There are adjunct treatments to endoscopic management, including injections of corticosteroids and mitomycin C (MMC) and urethral stents, which remain controversial and are not currently mainstay of treatment. Recalcitrant strictures are most commonly managed with urethroplasty, while recalcitrant stenosis is relatively rare yet almost always associated with bothersome urinary incontinence, requiring bladder neck reconstruction and subsequent artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation, or urinary diversion for the devastated outlet.

Post Prostatectomy Vesicourethral Stenosis or Bladder Neck Contracture with Concomitant Urinary Incontinence: Our Experience and Recommendations

OBJECTIVES

To present our experience in the management of bladder neck contracture with concomitant post prostatectomy incontinence and to provide our recommendations based on the updated literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between Jan 2010 and June 2015, 37 patients from our cohort of 341 patients with post prostatectomy incontinence were evaluated. Patient data were retrospectively collected. Patients with bladder neck contracture confirmed on flexible cystoscopy underwent subsequent rigid cystoscopy and deep endoscopic bladder neck incision (BNI). A follow up flexible cystoscopy would be performed 3 months later. If there was no recurrence of the bladder neck contracture, an artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) or a male sling was recommended.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 68 years (range 59-77) and the mean BMI was 31 (range 21-41) kg/m². Twenty-five (67.7%) patients had open prostatectomy and 12 (32.4%) patients had laparoscopic prostatectomy. Fourteen patients (37.8%) underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Twenty-four (64.8%) patients had one BNI procedure, 8 (21.6%) patients had two procedures and 5 (13.5%) patients had more than 2 procedures. Twenty-one (91.3%) patients had AUS implantation and 2 (8.7%) patients had male sling placement. Besides, 85.7% of AUS and 50% of male sling patients managed to achieve successful outcomes with a mean follow up period of 13.1 months (range 2-33 months).

CONCLUSION

Initial management with aggressive BNI followed by implantation of an AUS or male sling when bladder neck is stable is essential to achieve a satisfactory urinary continence outcome.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter: Report of the 2015 Consensus Conference

PURPOSE

The AMS800™ device, by far the most frequently implanted artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) worldwide, is considered to be the "gold-standard" when male incontinence surgical treatment is contemplated. Despite 40 years of experience, it is still a specialized procedure with a number of challenges. Here, we present the recommendations issued from the AUS Consensus Group, regarding indications, management, and follow-up AMS800™ implantation or revision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Under ICS auspices, an expert panel met on July 10, 2015 in Chicago, IL, USA in an attempt to reach a consensus on diverse issues related to the AMS800™ device. Participants were selected by the two co-chairs on the basis of their practice in a University hospital and their experience: number of implanted AUSs according to AMS (American Medical System Holdings Inc., Minnetonka, MN) records and/or major published articles. Topics listed were the result of a pre-meeting email brainstorming by all participants. The co-chairs distributed topics randomly to all participants, who then had to propose a statement on each topic for approval by the conference after a short evidence-based presentation, when possible.

RESULTS

A total of 25 urologists were invited to participate, 19 able to attend the conference. The present recommendations, based on the most recent and relevant data available in literature as well as expert opinions, successively address multiple specific and problematic issues associated with the AMS800™ trough a eight-chapter structure: pre-operative assessment, pre operative challenges, implantation technique, post-operative care, trouble-shooting, outcomes, special populations, and the future of AUSs.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines undoubtedly constitute a reference document, which will help urologists to carefully select patients and apply the most adapted management to implantation, follow-up and trouble-shooting of the AMS800™.

Urethral Strictures and Stenoses Caused by Prostate Therapy

The number of patients with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia is on the rise. As a result, the volume of prostate treatment and treatment-related complications is also increasing. Urethral strictures and stenoses are relatively common complications that require individualized management based on the length and location of the obstruction, and the patient's overall health, and goals of care. In general, less invasive options such as dilation and urethrotomy are preferred as first-line therapy, followed by more invasive substitution, flap, and anastomotic urethroplasty.

Bladder neck contracture

Bladder neck contracture (BNC) is a well-described complication of the surgical treatment of benign and malignant prostate conditions. Nevertheless, etiologies of BNC development are highly dependent on the primary treatment modality undertaken with BNC also occurring after pelvic radiation. The treatment options for BNC can range from simple, office-based dilation procedures to more invasive, complex abdomino-perineal reconstructive surgery. Although numerous strategies have been described, a patient-specific approach is usually necessary in the management of these complex patients. In this review, we highlight various therapeutic maneuvers described for the management of BNC and further delineate a tailored approach utilized at our institution in these complicated patients.

A report on the clinical efficacy of a new Bougie-internal urethrectomy

INTRODUCTION

We compare the clinical efficacy of the new bougie-internal urethrectomy (BIU) with internal urethrotomy and urethroplasty to treat urethral stricture disease.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 186 people with urethral stricture disease. Of these, 84 were identified for urethroplasty and 102 for internal urethrotomy (endoscopic urethrotomy). Among the 84 identified for urethroplasty, 52 received BIU (Group 1) and the remaining 32 received urethroplasty. Among the 102 identified for internal urethrotomy, 58 received BIU (Group 2) and the remaining 44 received the internal urethrotomy. After surgery, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of the BIU (operative invasions, voiding flow rates, complications, sequelae) compared with the endoscopic treatment and urethroplasty.

RESULTS

Patient age ranged from 20 to 70 years. The follow-up period was 2 years. In the BIU Group 1, the BIU Group 2, and the internal urethrotomy (endoscopic treatment), the length of strictures were 2.9 ± 1.5, 2.8 ± 1.3, 1.6 ± 0.7, and 1.5 ± 0.6, respectively. In the BIU Group 1, the urethroplasty, the BIU Group 2, and the internal urethrotomy (endoscopic treatment), the amount of bleeding was 34.1 ± 17.1, 172.2 ± 29.8, 28.5 ± 9.8, and 49.7 ± 13.6 mL, respectively. In the BIU Group 1, the urethroplasty, the BIU Group 2, and the internal urethrotomy, the recurrence rates were 5.8%, 86%, 6.8% and 25%, and the average flow rates were 18.1 ± 4.8, 13.1 ± 3.9, 18.2 ± 3.6, 10.1 ± 3.1 mL/s, respectively. There was no sequealae (sexual dysfunction, penile change) in both BIU groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The new BIU could be considered first-line treatment in all patients with indications for visual internal urethrotomy and urethroplasty.

Management of the incontinent patient with a sphincteric stricture following radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The 5-year and 15-year life expectancy following the treatment of localized prostate cancer is excellent. Patients may develop rare but devastating complications following the surgery for prostate cancer. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available literature to date surrounding the management of the incontinent patient with a concomitant bladder neck contracture (BNC), or sphincteric stricture, following radical prostatectomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

The literature consists of several case series, but no clinical trials exist to provide an evidence-based approach to the incontinent patient with concomitant BNC. Fortunately, this is a relatively rare clinical scenario and most cases are successfully managed with urethral dilatation or endoscopic techniques. Multiple endoscopic techniques are available. In addition, some authors include injectable agents in their armamentarium for the treatment of BNC. Open reconstructive techniques or permanent urinary diversion may be necessary in rare cases. Both male slings and artificial urinary sphincter may be considered for the management of concomitant urinary incontinence. Some authors suggest it is safe to proceed with simultaneous artificial urinary sphincter implantation at the time of endoscopic management of the BNC.

SUMMARY

Management of the incontinent patient with concomitant BNC represents a challenging situation for the urologist. Several techniques are available to stabilize the BNC before safely proceeding with surgery for urinary incontinence. For the rare, complex case that has failed endoscopic management, referral to a surgeon experienced in reconstructive techniques is warranted.

Bladder neck contractures and the prostate cancer survivor

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the cause and diagnostic and treatment concerns for bladder neck contractures (BNCs) in the prostate cancer survivor.

RECENT FINDINGS

BNC rates have decreased significantly in the last 2 decades, likely because of improvement in the surgical technique and increased utilization of laparoscopic and robotic surgery, which may allow better visualization of the vesicourethral anastomosis. Despite these improvements, risk factors such as smoking and coronary artery disease contribute to BNC development. Furthermore, although recent reports have questioned the classical tenets of anastomotic technique such as water-tight anastomoses, there is no evidence that these principles contribute to the risk of BNC development and should continue to be observed. The results of minimally invasive procedures such as urethral dilation and transurethral incision of the bladder neck may be improved with the use of injectable agents.

SUMMARY

There is little consensus regarding BNC therapy. Although several risk factors contributing to BNC development have been identified, strategies to reduce the risk are unclear. A number of therapeutic options are available, however. In the event of BNC development, treatment should be structured in a hierarchical fashion which minimizes the risk of urinary incontinence.

Post-radical-prostatectomy urinary incontinence: the management of concomitant bladder neck contracture

Urinary incontinence postradical prostatectomy is a common problem which adversely affects quality of life. Concomitant bladder neck contracture in the setting of postprostatectomy incontinence represents a challenging clinical problem. Postprostatectomy bladder neck contracture is frequently recurrent and makes surgical management of incontinence difficult. The aetiology of bladder neck contracture and what constitutes the optimum management strategy are controversial. Here we review the literature and also present our approach.

Comparison between Two Different Two-Stage Transperineal Approaches to Treat Urethral Strictures or Bladder Neck Contracture Associated with Severe Urinary Incontinence that Occurred after Pelvic Surgery: Report of Our Experience

Introduction. The recurrence of urethral/bladder neck stricture after multiple endoscopic procedures is a rare complication that can follow prostatic surgery and its treatment is still controversial. Material and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed our data on 17 patients, operated between September 2001 and January 2010, who presented severe urinary incontinence and urethral/bladder neck stricture after prostatic surgery and failure of at least four conservative endoscopic treatments. Six patients underwent a transperineal urethrovesical anastomosis and 11 patients a combined transperineal suprapubical (endoscopic) urethrovesical anastomosis. After six months the patients that presented complete incontinence and no urethral stricture underwent the implantation of an artificial urethral sphincter (AUS). Results. After six months 16 patients were completely incontinent and presented a patent, stable lumen, so that they underwent an AUS implantation. With a mean followup of 50.5 months, 14 patients are perfectly continent with no postvoid residual urine. Conclusions. Two-stage procedures are safe techniques to treat these challenging cases. In our opinion, these cases could be managed with a transperineal approach in patients who present a perfect operative field; on the contrary, in more difficult cases, it would be preferable to use the other technique, with a combined transperineal suprapubical access, to perform a pull-through procedure.

Recurrent urethrovesical anastomotic strictures following artificial urinary sphincter implantation: a case report

INTRODUCTION

The management of an anastomotic stricture after a radical prostatectomy can become a complex and difficult situation when an artificial urinary sphincter precedes the formation of the stricture. The urethral narrowing does not allow the passage of the routinely used urological instruments and no previous reports have suggested alternate approaches.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 68-year-old Greek man diagnosed as having a recurrent anastomotic stricture approximately two years after a radical prostatectomy and three years after the implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter, and propose novel alternate methods of treatment. Our patient was first subjected to stricture incision with the use of a rigid ureteroscope with a holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser fiber, which was followed by a second successful attempt with the use of a pediatric resectoscope. After a one-year follow-up, our patient is doing well, with no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the management of recurrent urethral strictures following an artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Minimal invasive techniques with the use of small caliber instruments may offer efficient treatment options, diminishing the danger of urethral corrosion.

Complications after radical prostatectomy: anastomotic stricture and rectourethral fistula

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With the discovery of prostate-specific antigen and routine prostate cancer screening, came a renewed interest in the radical prostatectomy. As a result of early detection, the majority of prostate cancer is of low risk placing more emphasis on the social consequences of the surgery such as urinary incontinence, anastomotic contracture, erectile dysfunction and rectourethral fistula (RUF) formation. This review is specifically focused on the current approaches to anastomotic stricture and RUF following radical prostatectomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

A subset of anastomotic contractures following radical prostatectomy are recurrent and refractory to standard endoscopic therapy. Previous enthusiasm for permanent urethral stents has been dissipated by long-term results showing high revision and complication rates. In an attempt to avoid permanent urethral stents, new adjunctive agents are being used in combination with urethrotomy to achieve a stable, bladder neck anastomosis. There has been a major shift in the cause of RUF from primarily surgical to approximately 50% resulting from radiation/ablation therapy. Surgically induced RUF typically are small, located in bladder neck/trigonal region and can be primarily closed. Radiation/ablation induced fistula are large (>2 cm), involve the prostatic urethra and are fibrotic often requiring a combination of onlay grafting and interposition muscle flap for closure. The anterior, perineal sphincter-sparing approach is the optimal approach for closure of all RUF (simple or complex).

SUMMARY

Recent advancements in these two challenging patient populations have allowed reconstructive urologists to remain committed to rehabilitating the lower urinary tract avoiding palliative maneuvers and often-unnecessary urinary and fecal diversion.

Risk factors and quality of life for post-prostatectomy vesicourethral anastomotic stenoses

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the difference in vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) rates after open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) vs robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), and to analyze associated factors and effect on quality of life.

METHODS

From 2001 to 2009, a total of 1038 patients underwent RARP and 707 patients underwent open RRP. Perioperative factors and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) quality of life scores were compared between patients who did and did not develop a VUAS. Independent significant predictors of VUAS development were identified using multivariable modeling.

RESULTS

The incidence of VUAS in open RRP cases was higher (53/707, 7.5%) than for RARP (22/1038, 2.1%) (P<.0001). Intervention consisted of dilation in 34 of 75 cases (45.3%), internal urethrotomy in 8 of 75 (10.7%), and multiple procedures in 30 of 75 (40%). Open technique (P<.0001, odds ratio [OR]=3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.8-5.2), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence (P=.02, OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.2-4.1), postoperative hematuria (P=.02, OR=3.7, 95% CI=1.2-11.3), urinary leak (P=.002, OR=6.0, 95% CI=1.9-19.2), and urinary retention (P=.004, OR=3.5, 95% CI=1.5-8.7) were significant independent predictors of VUAS development. EPIC incontinence scores were similar between VUAS and non-VUAS patients, whereas irritative voiding scores were worse initially with VUAS but became similar by 12 months.

CONCLUSION

There is a higher rate of VUAS after open RRP vs RARP. Most cases of VUAS require endoscopic intervention. Predictors include open surgery, PSA recurrence, and postoperative hematuria, urinary leak, and retention. There is no diminution of quality of life scores at 12 months.

Radial urethrotomy and intralesional mitomycin C for the management of recurrent bladder neck contractures

PURPOSE

We evaluated urethrotomy combined with intralesional injection of the antiproliferative agent mitomycin C for the treatment of severe, recurrent bladder neck contractures after traditional endoscopic management failed. We report our experience with radial urethrotomy and intralesional mitomycin C in patients with recurrent bladder neck contractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients evaluated for severe, recurrent bladder neck contractures between January 2007 and April 2010. All patients had at least 1 prior failed incision of a bladder neck contracture. Tri or quadrant cold knife incisions of the bladder neck were performed followed by injection of 0.3 to 0.4 mg/ml mitomycin C at each incision site.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients were treated with bladder neck incision and mitomycin C injection. Preoperatively 4 (22%) patients presented with indwelling Foley catheters while 7 (39%) required a dilation schedule. At a median followup of 12 months (range 4 to 26) 13 patients (72%) had a patent bladder neck after 1 procedure, as did 3 (17%) after 2 procedures and 1 after 4 procedures. All of the patients presenting with a prior indwelling urethral catheter or requiring a dilation schedule had a stable, patent bladder neck.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of recurrent bladder neck contractures with radial urethrotomy combined with intralesional mitomycin C resulted in bladder neck patency in 72% of the patients after 1 procedure and in 89% after 2 procedures. Although early results are promising, longer followup and randomized, prospective studies are required to validate these findings.

Management for prostate cancer treatment related posterior urethral and bladder neck stenosis with stents

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer treatment has the potential to lead to posterior urethral stricture. These strictures are sometimes recalcitrant to dilation and urethrotomy alone. We present our experience with the Urolume® stent for prostate cancer treatment related stricture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 38 men with posterior urethral stricture secondary to prostate cancer treatment were treated with Urolume stenting. Stents were placed in all men after aggressive urethrotomy over the entire stricture. A successfully managed stricture was defined as open and stable for greater than 6 months after any necessary secondary procedures.

RESULTS

The initial success rate was 47%. After a total of 31 secondary procedures in 19 men, including additional stent placement in 8 (18%), the final success rate was 89% at a mean ± SD followup of 2.3 ± 2.5 years. Four cases (11%) in which treatment failed ultimately requiring urinary diversion (3) or salvage prostatectomy (1). Incontinence was noted in 30 men (82%), of whom 19 (63%) received an artificial urinary sphincter a mean of 7.2 ± 2.4 months after the stent. Subanalysis revealed that irradiated men had longer strictures (3.6 vs 2.0 cm, p = 0.003) and a higher post-stent incontinence rate (96% vs 50%, p < 0.001) than men who underwent prostatectomy alone but the initial failure rate was similar (54% vs 50%, p = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Urolume stenting is a reasonable option for severe post-prostate cancer treatment stricture when patients are unwilling or unable to undergo open reconstructive surgery. Incontinence should be expected. The need for additional procedures is common and in some men may be required periodically for the lifetime of the stent.

[Anastomotic stricture after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer]

The present paper intends to review diagnosis and treatment issues of bladder neck anastomosis stricture after radical prostatectomy for localised prostate cancer. Even though cancer control is not necessarily a concern, quality of life may be greatly altered. Patients may suffer from dysuria, urgency and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Flowmetry, cystoscopy and cystography contribute to its diagnosis. Treatment should be graded according to the severity of the disease and the quality of life of the patient. Cold-Knife incisions and pneumatic dilatation are the first line treatments. Holmium laser shows good results on the stricture in a second line treatment. A two-stage strategy with an endoluminal stent followed by artificial urinary sphincter implant is the ultimate option to manage severe strictures, while maintaining acceptable quality of life. Continence sparing is the challenge of the treatment of this type of stricture.

EAU Guidelines on Urethral Trauma

CONTEXT

These guidelines were prepared on behalf of the European Association of Urology (EAU) to assist urologists in the management of traumatic urethral injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the optimal evaluation and management of urethral injuries by review of the world's literature on the subject.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A working group of experts on Urological Trauma was convened to review and summarize the literature concerning the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary trauma, including urethral trauma. The Urological Trauma guidelines have been based on a review of the literature identified using on-line searches of MEDLINE and other source documents published before 2009. A critical assessment of the findings was made, not involving a formal appraisal of the data. There were few high-powered, randomized, controlled trials in this area and considerable available data was provided by retrospective studies. The Working Group recognizes this limitation.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The full text of these guidelines is available through the EAU Central Office and the EAU website (www.uroweb.org). This article comprises the abridged version of a section of the Urological Trauma guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Updated and critically reviewed Guidelines on Urethral Trauma are presented. The aim of these guidelines is to provide support to the practicing urologist since urethral injuries carry substantial morbidity. The diversity of urethral injuries, associated injuries, the timing and availability of treatment options as well as their relative rarity contribute to the controversies in the management of urethral trauma.