Urethral ultrasound as a screening tool for stricture recurrence after oral mucosa graft urethroplasty

Urology. 2011 Sep;78(3):696-700. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2011.04.051. Epub 2011 Jul 13.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of sonourethrography (SUG) in combination with voiding pattern analysis to determine success after oral mucosa graft (OMG) urethroplasty. OMG urethroplasty is a standard treatment for men with recurrent urethral stricture. Because of its performance, the optimum follow-up algorithm remains controversial.

Material and methods: Forty-nine patients (mean age 51 years) who underwent OMG urethroplasty were retrospectively identified. All men were subjected to a validated voiding questionnaire (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]), SUG, uroflowmetry, and residual urine measurement. The predictive value was analyzed with regard to stricture recurrence or patency as well as to urethral diameter. Retrograde urethrography was done to confirm the diagnosis.

Results: Strictures were bulbar in 39, penile in 4, and combined in 6 patients. Mean stricture length was 3.8 cm (range 1-10). Mean follow-up after surgery was 35 (range 15-70) months. SUG showed a mean diameter of 7.6 mm for bulbar grafts and 4.6 mm for penile grafts. Stricture recurrence was seen in 4 (8%) patients, yielding a significantly lower urethral width of 2.3 mm (P<.005). Retrograde urethrography confirmed the patency status in all. The average maximum flow rate after successful repair was 36.6 mL/s, whereas those with recurrent strictures showed rates of 11.2 (P<.03). Similar results were achieved for residual urine (P<.05). IPSS values increased from 5.1 to 12.5 in patients with recurrence (P<.01).

Conclusion: An algorithm consisting of SUG, uroflowmetry, residual urine and IPSS assessment reliably identifies stricture recurrence. Routine retrograde urethrography may therefore be unnecessary in the follow-up of OMG urethroplasty.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Mucosa / transplantation*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Recurrence
  • Ultrasonography
  • Urethra / diagnostic imaging*
  • Urethra / surgery
  • Urethral Stricture / diagnostic imaging*
  • Urethral Stricture / physiopathology
  • Urethral Stricture / surgery
  • Urodynamics
  • Young Adult