Research progress in endoluminal treatment of urethral stricture

Abstract

Urethral stricture is regarded as a common disease in urology whose treatment modalities usually include open surgery and endoluminal treatment. Endoluminal techniques have gradually become one of the essential treatments in urethral stricture due to easier operation, less trauma, faster recovery, higher safety and fewer complications. The popularity of plasma knife and laser, and the application of new urethral stents and grafts, make endoscopic surgery easier and less invasive. However, due to its anatomical particularity and diverse etiologies of urethral stricture, the endoluminal treatment is still not satisfactory and a considerable number of patients still experience poor long-term treatment effect. Non-operative managements, such as intracavitary brachytherapy, intracavitary injection of drugs or stem cells and new urinary catheters are also being explored in treating urethral stricture, which would improve the effect of endoscopic surgery. This review summarizes the clinical application and new progress of various kinds of endoluminal treatments and pharmacotherapy in urethral stricture at home and abroad. More prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm its feasibility, effectiveness and optimal time of operation.