Abstract

Abstract Introduction While radiation can be a viable treatment option for prostate cancer, development of radiation-induced urethral stenosis occurs in approximately 2% of patients. Optilume, a paclitaxel-coated urethral dilation balloon was FDA approved in 2021 and has shown improved urethral patency and reduced rates of reintervention for anterior urethral strictures relative to standard endoscopic procedures. As the utility of Optilume expands into posterior urethral stenosis, it is important to identify the associated potential complications. Incidence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has been reported to be as high as 33% following urethroplasty for patients with radiation-induced urethral stenoses. Rates of SUI following Optilume balloon dilation have yet to be evaluated in this high-risk population. Objective To evaluate rates of SUI in patients undergoing Optilume balloon dilation for radiation-induced posterior urethral stenosis. Methods From March 2022 to February 2023, select men with radiation-induced posterior urethral stenoses underwent Optilume balloon dilation. Initial evaluation included retrograde urethrogram and/or diagnostic cystoscopy. Dilation was performed with a 30-French Optilume and left inflated for five minutes per standard protocol. A 16-French catheter was inserted and left in place for three to five days. Patients were scheduled for a three-month post-dilation cystoscopy. Pre- and post-dilation continence rates were compared. Results A total of 16 men with confirmed radiation-induced posterior urethral stenoses underwent Optilume balloon dilation. Of the 16 patients, 12 patients had documentation regarding their pre- and post-treatment continence status. No patients developed de novo SUI. Baseline pre-treatment SUI was noted in one patient (8.3%) requiring an average of 4 Depends per day. This patient noted no change in his degree of SUI following Optilume dilation and the dilation site was found to be widely patent on his follow up cystoscopy. He is scheduled for artificial urinary sphincter in the near future. Mean follow up was 77 days (range 30-180 days). Repeat intervention was required in three patients (18.8%) for repeat stenosis. Conclusions Optilume balloon dilation for radiation-induced posterior urethral stenosis does not appear to lead to de novo SUI in short to intermediate term follow up. Further prospective studies with a larger group of patients and longer follow up duration are warranted in this complex population. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Laborie.

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