Evaluation Of Anterior Urethral Strictures Research Articles

Comparative study of sonourethrography and conventional urethrography in determining the length of anterior urethral strictures

Background: Conventional urethrography has been the “Gold standard” in the evaluation of anterior urethral strictures. Sonourethrography (SUG) is less invasive, more readily available, and cheaper and does not use ionizing radiation.
 Objective: To determine the length of anterior urethral strictures diagnosed on conventional urethrography using SUG and compare findings on SUG with conventional urethrography in adult male patients
 Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out over a period of twelve months, whereby 66 male patients with clinically suspected anterior urethral strictures and confirmed on retrograde urethrography (RUG)/ Micturatingcystourethrography (MCUG) were examined using SUG. The length of anterior urethral strictures from both procedures were compared. The data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23(SPSS Inc, IL, USA). At 95% confidence interval, P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
 Result: Sixty six patients were studied. The mean age of the participants was 56.7±13.7years with an age range of 20 – 78 years. The stricture lengths and diameters were consistently higher on SUG compared to conventional urethrography. The mean length of stricture on RUG/MCUG and SUG were 19.4 ± 6.0mm and 21.3± 6.7 mm respectfully. The mean difference for the stricture lengths on RUG/MCUG and SUG was 1.9 mm and this was statistically significant (CI = 0.983 – 2.761, p < 0.001). The mean diameter of the stricture on RUG/MCUG and SUG were 2.2± 0.7mm and 5.6± 1.2mm and the mean difference for the stricture diameter on both techniques was 3.4mm (CI= 3.158 – 3.577, p<0.001), which was statistically significant.
 Conclusion: Significantly higher mean stricture length and diameter were found on SUG compared with RUG/MCUG.

A Comparison of Sonourethrography and Retrograde Urethrography in Evaluation of Anterior Urethral Strictures

The urinary tract has restrictions in its lower parts. This problem can be detected by two different methods. Obstruction in the anterior portion of this tract can be diagnosed by some available standard methods. Objective: To assess the general problems in the male urethra specifically in the anterior portion. Methods: It is a prospective and comparative study with a statistical approach, conducted at Bakhtawar Amin Memorial and Trust Hospital, Multan and MTI Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan for the duration of one year from December 2020 to December 2021. The study was done by using ultrasound of high resolution. Then the comparison of the operative conclusions has to be done with retrograde urethrography (RGU) to find out the efficiency of RGU. For this study work, seventy-seven patients were selected. All these patients had some restrictions in the urinary pathway confirmed by retrograde urethrography. Different characteristics of the patients were studied and matched with the available standard methods. By both tests specificity, sensitivity, and overall accuracy of the protocol were also assessed. Different statistical analyses were performed to find out the results. Results: All the seventy-seven patients were having some restriction of urinary pathway, which were detected by sonourethrography and further confirmation was done by other previously verified methods. The retrograde urethrography shows almost very low sensitivity of this particular problem detection. This test was about 60 to 80% sensitive for this diagnosis. This sensitivity is specific for the length of about 1 to 5 cm. These results were compared with the results of sonourethrography. The problem termed as spongiofibrosis was also diagnosed with sensitivity about 76 to 82 %. A number of other problems were also detected by this method like calculi and further confirmation was done at the time of surgery. The probability was greater than 0.001 and difference in frequency was also not so significant. It was less than 0.5. Conclusions: Both of the methods have equal efficiency for the detection of different restrictions in urinary tract. When other parameters were assessed; it was inferred that sonourethrography is more efficient method

Role of sonourethrography in the evaluation of anterior urethral stricture: A 1-year hospital-based observational study

CONTEXT: Urethral stricture is a pathology involving the anterior urethra. The parameters to the surgical approach are precise measurement of stricture length and spongiofibrosis. Retrograde urethrography (RGU) is considered as the gold standard investigation. Its limitations are poor definition of stricture length and the detection of spongiofibrosis. Sonourethrography (SUG) detects stricture and accurately measures length and spongiofibrosis. AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of SUG in the evaluation of anterior urethral strictures. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study design involves hospital-based 1-year observational study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One-year prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Radio-Diagnosis at the KLE'S Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, Belagavi. Thirty patients underwent RGU and SUG. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of SUG were calculated. Unpaired t-test was used to determine the length of the anterior urethral stricture. The values were compared with RGU and intra-operative results. The percentage of patients detected to have spongiofibrosis was computed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Mean, standard deviation, and unpaired t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of sonourethrogram as compared to retrograde urethrogram was found to be 92% and 100%, respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 71.43%, respectively. Intra-operative stricture length correlated better with SUG with the determination of spongiofibrosis being an advantage. CONCLUSION: RGU is the best imaging modality, but SUG also provides similar results with benefits such as precise measurement of stricture length and degree of spongiofibrosis.

Role of Sonourethrogram in Evaluation of Anterior Urethral Stricture and its Correlation with Retrograde Urethrogram and Intraoperative Findings-A Prospective Study

Role of Sonourethrogram in Evaluation of Anterior Urethral Stricture and its Correlation with Retrograde Urethrogram and Intraoperative Findings-A Prospective Study

Comparison of sonoelastography with sonourethrography and retrograde urethrography in the evaluation of male anterior urethral strictures.

Retrograde urethrography (RUG) is the most common and preferred imaging modality for imaging of the anterior urethral strictures despite its well-known limitations and disadvantages. Sonourethrography (SUG) was introduced in 1988 to overcome the limitations of RUG and to provide more accurate results. As proper selection of imaging modality is very important for planning the treatment, various advances in this area are required. One of the major factors for recurrence of stricture disease is spongiofibrosis. Sonoelastography (SE) is a newer technique, tried in various other pathologies. In this study, we have used this technique for the first time to assess its efficacy in the evaluation of anterior urethral stricture disease by comparison with RUG and SUG. Between August 2014 and May 2015, 77 patients with clinical features of anterior urethral stricture disease were included in the study and evaluated by RUG followed by SUG and SE for stricture location, length, depth of spongiofibrosis and periurethral pathologies. The results were then correlated with operative and histopathological findings. Overall diagnostic accuracy of SE, SUG, and RGU for the estimation of stricture location, and length were estimated 92.68% vs. 91.54%, 79% vs. 78.87% and 80.48% vs. 43.66%, respectively, while for depth of spongiofibrosis SE, and SUG had accuracy rates of 87.3%, 48%, respectively. The mean length measured on SE was nearest to the mean intra-operative stricture length (21.34+11.8 mm). SE findings significantly correlated with the colour of bladder mucosa on cystoscopic examination (p=0.003) whereas the association was non-significant (p=0.127) for difficulty in incision. While a nonsignificant correlation existed between SUG findings related both to the colour of the bladder mucosa and difficulty in incision on cystoscopy, SE findings had a significant association (p<0.001) with histopathology findings for severe degree of fibrosis. Sonoelastography estimates stricture site and length better in comparison with RUG and SUG. It estimates degree of spongiofibrosis which serves as an important prognostic factor for stricture recurrence more accurately than SUG.

Comparative Role of Sonourethrography (SUG) and Magnetic Resonance Urethrography (MRU) in Anterior Male Urethral Strictures

Anterior urethral stricture is a common clinical condition encountered in day-to-day urological practice affecting predominantly males. Retrograde urethrography (RGU) is a common investigation done to determine the future course of management. But with increasing use of plastic surgery and other endoscopic procedures, information regarding presence of spongiofibrosis and other associated conditions, in addition to length of stricture is being demanded from radiologist for deciding the mode of management. Sonourethrography (SUG) has started gaining acceptance over RGU in last few decades for determining periurethral spongiofibrosis which at the same time obviates radiation to gonads. In recent years, magnetic resonance urethrography (MRU) has also been advocated for evaluation of anterior urethral strictures due to its excellent soft tissue contrast and lack of operator dependence. Besides, MRU can delineate posterior urethra simultaneously, affecting further management obviating the need for micturating cystourethrogram (MCU). Hence, in this article we evaluate the comparative role of SUG ad MRU in the evaluation of male anterior urethral strictures.

'Real-time sonoelastography' in anterior urethral strictures: A novel technique for assessment of spongiofibrosis.

IntroductionSpongiofibrosis assessment is critically important in the evaluation of anterior urethral strictures as its severity is directly proportional to stricture recurrence and thus affects management. Retrograde urethrography (RGU) is ineffective in the evaluation of spongiofibrosis. Sonourethrography (SUG) delineates it but does not accurately estimate its depth. Real-time elastography (RTE), a newer technique that not only attempts a qualitative but also quantitative estimation of spongiofibrosis (tissue stiffness) which results due to underlying pathological processes.Material and methodsIn the present study, various elastographic patterns and strain ratios in anterior urethral stricture patients were studied and compared to operative and histopathological findings. Sixty-three RGU diagnosed anterior urethral stricture cases were taken and re-evaluated by SUG and SE by another radiologist who was blinded to the findings of the RGU. Strain patterns and ratios of spongiofibrotic segments were documented and compared with operative findings as gold standard.ResultsBlue pattern on RTE showed 100% concordance with severe fibrosis as evaluated against histopathological findings whereas green pattern showed 87.5% concordance with moderate degree of fibrosis. Severe degree of fibrosis cases, confirmed on histopathology had a significantly higher mean strain ratio (10.51 ±2.297) as compared to moderate degree (6.33 ±2.353) (p <0.001 S).ConclusionsReal time sonoelastography in the evaluation of spongiofibrosis not only assesses it qualitatively but also quantifies it. Strain ratios are statistically better indicators for estimating spongiofibrosis.

MP15-11 OUTPATIENT ULTRASOUND URETHROGRAM FOR ASSESSMENT OF ANTERIOR URETHRAL STRICTURE RENDERS RADIATION EXPOSURE UNNECESSARY

You have accessJournal of UrologyTrauma/Reconstruction: Urethral Reconstruction (including Stricture) I1 Apr 2015MP15-11 OUTPATIENT ULTRASOUND URETHROGRAM FOR ASSESSMENT OF ANTERIOR URETHRAL STRICTURE RENDERS RADIATION EXPOSURE UNNECESSARY Darren J. Bryk, Yuka Yamaguchi, Shpetim Telegrafi, Mariana Kozirovsky, and Lee C. Zhao Darren J. BrykDarren J. Bryk More articles by this author , Yuka YamaguchiYuka Yamaguchi More articles by this author , Shpetim TelegrafiShpetim Telegrafi More articles by this author , Mariana KozirovskyMariana Kozirovsky More articles by this author , and Lee C. ZhaoLee C. Zhao More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.894AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Knowledge of urethral stricture anatomy is essential for appropriate surgical management. While retrograde urethrogram is considered the gold standard for evaluation, ultrasound urethrogram has been shown to be more accurate in determining anterior urethral stricture length and extent of spongiofibrosis. To date, ultrasound urethrograms have been primarily performed intra-operatively. We report the results of an outpatient ultrasound urethrogram technique, which eliminates the need for radiation exposure. METHODS Twelve consecutive adult men presenting for anterior urethral reconstruction from 10/2013-10/2014 underwent outpatient ultrasound urethrogram. Patients were excluded from this study if any urethral imaging has been performed using radiation (retrograde urethrogram or voiding cystourethrogram). The Siemens Acuson S2000 Ultrasound System is used at our institution. Outpatient retrograde ultrasound urethrogram is performed with the patient in the frog-leg position. Lidocaine gel is injected through the meatus to distend the urethra and act as contrast. Linear High-frequency multi-hertz 18L6 and curved multi-hertz 6C2 probes are used to study the penile and bulbar urethra, respectively. Lengths of strictures as determined by outpatient ultrasound urethrogram and direct intra-operative measurements were analyzed by a paired t-test. RESULTS Table 1 shows the differences between ultrasound urethrogram and intra-operative stricture lengths. The difference between ultrasound urethrogram stricture length measurement (mean=1.7833, standard deviation=0.8892) and intra-operative stricture length measurement (mean=1.7500, standard deviation=1.011) was not significant with t(11)=0.358, p=0.727. Further, the correlation coefficient between the two length measurements is 0.950 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our technique of outpatient ultrasound urethrogram for the diagnosis and characterization of anterior urethral strictures is simple, accurate, and eliminates the need for radiation exposure for evaluation of anterior urethral strictures. Table 1. Difference between ultrasound urethrogram and intra-operative measured stricture length ultrasound urethrogram length minus intra-operative length (cm) n (total=12) % of sample 0 8 66.6 > 0 to 0.5 2 16.7 < 0 to -0.5 2 16.7 > 0.5 or < -0.5 0 0 © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e163 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Darren J. Bryk More articles by this author Yuka Yamaguchi More articles by this author Shpetim Telegrafi More articles by this author Mariana Kozirovsky More articles by this author Lee C. Zhao More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

MP15-12 URETHRAL STRICTURE (US) AND ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER (AUS) REINSERTION RATES AFTER URETHRAL REPAIR AT THE TIME OF AUS EXPLANTATION FOR EROSION

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Knowledge of urethral stricture anatomy is essential for appropriate surgical management. While retrograde urethrogram is considered the gold standard for evaluation, ultrasound urethrogram has been shown to be more accurate in determining anterior urethral stricture length and extent of spongiofibrosis. To date, ultrasound urethrograms have been primarily performed intra-operatively. We report the results of an outpatient ultrasound urethrogram technique, which eliminates the need for radiation exposure. METHODS: Twelve consecutive adult men presenting for anterior urethral reconstruction from 10/2013-10/2014 underwent outpatient ultrasound urethrogram. Patients were excluded from this study if any urethral imaging has been performed using radiation (retrograde urethrogram or voiding cystourethrogram). The Siemens Acuson S2000 Ultrasound System is used at our institution. Outpatient retrograde ultrasound urethrogram is performed with the patient in the frog-leg position. Lidocaine gel is injected through the meatus to distend the urethra and act as contrast. Linear High-frequency multi-hertz 18L6 and curved multi-hertz 6C2 probes are used to study the penile and bulbar urethra, respectively. Lengths of strictures as determined by outpatient ultrasound urethrogram and direct intra-operative measurements were analyzed by a paired t-test. RESULTS: Table 1 shows the differences between ultrasound urethrogram and intra-operative stricture lengths. The difference between ultrasound urethrogram stricture length measurement (mean1⁄41.7833, standard deviation1⁄40.8892) and intra-operative stricture length measurement (mean1⁄41.7500, standard deviation1⁄41.011) was not significant with t(11)1⁄40.358, p1⁄40.727. Further, the correlation coefficient between the two length measurements is 0.950 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our technique of outpatient ultrasound urethrogram for the diagnosis and characterization of anterior urethral strictures is simple, accurate, and eliminates the need for radiation exposure for evaluation of anterior urethral strictures.

86 Urethral ultrasound versus magnetic resonance urethrography versus retrograde urethrography in the evaluation of anterior urethral stricture: A prospective study

86 Urethral ultrasound versus magnetic resonance urethrography versus retrograde urethrography in the evaluation of anterior urethral stricture: A prospective study

788 Urethral ultrasound versus magnetic resonance urethrography versus retrograde urethrography in the evaluation of anterior urethral stricture: A prospective study

788 Urethral ultrasound versus magnetic resonance urethrography versus retrograde urethrography in the evaluation of anterior urethral stricture: A prospective study

The Role of Sonourethrography In the Evaluation of Anterior Urethral Strictures: A Correlation with Retrograde Urethrography

Objective: Retrograde urethrography (RGU) is the most commonly used imaging modality for the evaluation of the anterior urethra. Sonourethrography (SUG) is another modality that is not so frequently used, though several studies have suggested its higher degree of sensitivity and specificity in anterior urethral stricture evaluation. The present prospective study has been done to compare the results of SUG with that of RGU and to probe its effect in decision making. Patients and Methods: A total of 50 patients with anterior urethral stricture disease were evaluated with both SUG and RGU for stricture length, site location, and associated urethral pathologies. Collected information was used as a guide for the choice of surgery, and it was compared with operative findings. Results: The mean lengths of strictures on SUG, RGU, and surgery were 20.46 cm, 17.14 cm, and 20.35 cm, respectively. Overall sensitivity and accuracy of SUG in predicting correct stricture length was 95.55 and 97.33%, respectively, and overall sensitivity and accuracy of RGU in predicting correct stricture length was 77.22 and 85.33%, respectively. Spongiofibrosis was noted only with SUG in 78 to 88% accuracy. In 32% of cases, the surgical plan changed when SUG results were taken into consideration along with RGU. Conclusion: SUG is more accurate in measuring stricture length, especially that of the bulbar urethra. It simultaneously provides a better assessment of a diseased urethra. It should be used as an extension of the physical examination by the treating urologist as it helps in better preoperative surgical planning of anterior urethral strictures.

POD-12.07: Urethral Ultrasound Versus Magnetic Resonance Urethrography Versus Retrograde Urethrography in the Evaluation of Anterior Urethral Stricture: A Prospective Study

Retrograde urethrography (RUG) has been the standard imaging modality for urethral stricture disease. In this study, we compared the outcome of RUG versus urethral ultrasonography (UUS) and magnetic resonance urethrography (MRU).

Staged Reconstruction of Long Segment Urethral Strictures in Men With Previous Pediatric Hypospadias Repair

Reconstruction of long segment urethral stricture disease in adults with a history of pediatric hypospadias repair remains complex secondary to poor urethral blood supply, extensive penile scarring and the need for significant amounts of graft or flap tissue. We describe our experience with staged urethroplasty in this cohort of men. A total of 15 males underwent staged urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease following previous hypospadias repair in childhood. All men underwent 2-stage repair with a minimum of 6 months separating each operation. Bulbar urethral stricture disease due to previous dilation was seen in 2 of the 15 men (14%). Graft sources included buccal mucosa in 12 cases, full-thickness hairless abdominal wall skin in 2, penile skin in 1 and posterior auricular tissue in 1. Median patient followup was 22 months (range 5 to 62) after stage 2 closure. Median patient age at presentation was 31 years (range 19 to 57). Mean stricture length was 8 cm (range 5 to 14) and mean graft area was 22 cm(2) (range 10 to 38). There was no clinical evidence of stricture recurrence, fistula or wound dehiscence at last followup in 13 of the 15 men (86%). Two men with a congenital hypoplastic glans were left with distal hypospadias. Minor voiding symptoms were described in 3 of the 15 men (21%) with resolution in all by 6 months postoperatively. We describe outcomes after staged reconstruction for extensive urethral stricture disease in men after previous pediatric hypospadias repair in childhood. At intermediate followup staged urethroplasty provided acceptable outcomes.

Gray Scale and Color Doppler Sonography With Extended Field of View Technique for the Diagnostic Evaluation of Anterior Urethral Strictures

We compared the clinical relevance of radio urethrography with that of sonourethrography for evaluating male urethral strictures. From 2002 to 2004, 93 men were referred to our institution for urethral strictures. Patients were evaluated by conventional voiding cystourethrography, retrograde urethrography, and gray scale and color Doppler sonourethrography. For sonourethrography the extended field of view technique was used to obtain 1 image of the whole anterior urethra. In all cases the urethra was evaluated cystoscopically or at open surgery. Radio urethrography and sonourethrography findings were compared with cystoscopy or surgery findings. All strictures were evaluated and treated cystoscopically with visual internal urethrotomy (34%) or at open operation (66%), which allowed comparison of the ability of each study to predict operative stricture length. Sonourethrography correctly identified the stricture and its site in all cases, whereas radio urethrography yielded 2 false-negative results. There was a significant difference between stricture length measured by radio urethrography compared to that measured by sonourethrography (correlation coefficient 0.72 vs 0.92, p<0.005). Mean+/-SD stricture length measured by radio urethrography was 1.5+/-1.3 cm and by sonourethrography it was 2.1+/-0.9 cm. Comparison of radio urethrography and sonourethrography stricture length with operative lengths demonstrated a good correlation in the penile urethra (correlation coefficient 0.91 vs 0.98), whereas a poor correlation was found in the bulbar urethra (correlation coefficient 0.65 vs 0.92). Gray scale and color Doppler sonourethrography using the extended field of view technique with a Siemens Sonoline Elegra is a promising tool for defining male urethral strictures. It seems to be superior to radio urethrography for treatment planning.

A comparison of sonourethrography and retrograde urethrography in evaluation of anterior urethral strictures

AIM: This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the abnormalities of the male anterior urethra using high-resolution ultrasound (sonourethrography) and to compare the efficacy with that of retrograde urethrography (RGU) using operative findings as the gold standard.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with symptoms of lower urinary tract obstruction underwent RGU followed by sonourethrography. The sonologist was blinded to the findings of RGU. The parameters studied were compared with the intra-operative findings as gold standard, and the sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy for the procedures were calculated. Chi-square test and kappa statistics were used where appropriate.RESULTS: All patients found to have urethral stricture disease by RGU were also detected by sonourethrography and confirmed intra-operatively. In the estimation of stricture length, RGU showed a lower sensitivity (60–80%) for lengths 1–4 cm, compared with sonourethrography (73.3–100%). Spongiofibrosis was detected by sonourethrography with a sensitivity of 77.3–83.3%. All the false tracts and calculi detected at sonourethrography were confirmed at surgery, whereas RGU showed a low sensitivity in their detection. The complications encountered during the procedures were pain, urethral bleeding and contrast intravasation. The frequency of pain during RGU was greater (p<0.001); however, the difference in frequency of bleeding after the two procedures was not significant (p<0.5).CONCLUSION: RGU and sonourethrography are equally efficacious in detection of anterior urethral strictures. Further characterization of strictures in terms of length, diameter and periurethral pathologies, like spongiofibrosis and false tracts, is done with greater sensitivity using sonourethrography as compared with RGU, with the added benefit of lower incidence of complications.

Comparison of sonourethrography and retrograde urethrography in the evaluation of anterior urethral strictures

Radiographic retrograde urethrography (RUG) has traditionally been the preferred technique used by urologists to image the anterior urethra. Since originally described by McAninch et aL in 1988, ultrasonic imaging of the urethra has evolved into a powerful and clinically useful tool for the accurate delineation of urethral pathology. However the posterior urethra cannot be assessed reliably using this technique. Sonourethrography has proved to be more accurate than conventional radiographic urethrography in measuring stricture length throughout the anterior urethra. The objective and purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of sonourethrography in the evaluation of anterior urethral strictures and also to explain its many advantages over traditional imaging technique.

Anastomotic Urethroplasty For Bulbar Urethral Stricture: Analysis Of 168 Patients

We reviewed our experience with anastomotic urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture. A chart review revealed 168 patients 6 to 82 years old (mean age 38) with at least 6 months of followup (mean 70, range 6 to 291) after anastomotic urethroplasty. Average stricture length was 1.7 cm. Of the 168 patients stricture recurred in 8 (5%) but was managed by direct vision internal urethrotomy or a single dilation in 5, while repeat urethroplasty was required in 3 (2%). In these 3 cases extenuating circumstances included patient dislodgment of the catheter with attempts to replace it that disrupted repair, a history of urethrocutaneous fistula and periurethral abscess, and previous irradiation complicating the stricture in 1 each. Other complications were uncommon, such as transient thigh pain or numbness in 3 patients (2%), small wound dehiscence in 2 (1%), and scrotal hematoma, erectile dysfunction and self-limited pulmonary edema in 1 (less than 1%) each. Anastomotic urethroplasty for anterior stricture has a high success rate of 95%. It is technically straightforward and complications are uncommon. Cure by anastomotic urethroplasty should be strongly favored over long-term management by direct vision internal urethrotomy or dilation.

Evaluation of urethral strictures and associated abnormalities using high-resolution and color doppler ultrasound

Objectives To study the role of urethral sonography and color Doppler imaging in the evaluation of patients with urethral strictures and associated abnormalities. Methods We reviewed our experience with 41 urethral sonographic studies in 35 patients and compared them to 33 retrograde urethrograms. For 6 recent cases, we also used color Doppler imaging to assess spongiosal tissue blood flow and the location of urethral arteries. Results Both retrograde urethrography and urethral sonography assessed the caliber and length of the strictures well. Urethral sonography provided additional information about stricture involvement of the spongiosum, location of urethral arteries, and associated abnormalities (that is, periurethral abscess and urethrocutaneous fistula). This information was useful for the clinical stratification of urethral stricture disease and the planning of treatment. Conclusions With the advantages of avoiding radiation to testis, providing real-time evaluation of the distensibility of the urethra, and having the capacity of assessing spongiosum and periurethral tissue involvement and urethral artery location, urethral sonography appears to offer more than retrograde urethrography for the evaluation of anterior urethral stricture.

Sono-Urethrography in the Evaluation of Anterior Urethral Strictures

Sono-Urethrography in the Evaluation of Anterior Urethral Strictures