Stricture Etiology Research Articles

Evaluación de los factores predictivos tras uretrotomía interna endoscópica para estenosis de uretra bulbar

Introduction: Direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) is usually the first treatment offered to patients with bulbar urethral strictures (US). Advances in devices and surgical techniques have contributed to reducing associated complications. Despite the favorable success rate of DVIU, various factors predicting better outcomes have been studied, including patient characteristics, stricture features, and procedural aspects. The main aim of our study is to assess predictive factors for success.Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of patients who underwent endoscopic internal urethrotomy at our hospital over a 30 year period. Out of 788 DVIU performed, we selected 491 (62.3%) conducted for bulbar US with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. We examined clinical outcomes obtained, and assessed the relationship between different patient characteristics, stricture-related factors and procedural aspects related with clinical success -considered as the avoidance of further interventions for stricture recurrence-. Descriptive statistics were calculated and parametrical and non-parametrical comparative tests were applied. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used for evaluating time until recurrence.Results: Mean stricture length was 1.2 cm (SD 0.5), with only 12 patients presenting with more than 1 US in the bulbar area during DVIU. After a median follow-up of 170 months, 67.4% of patients did not experience clinical recurrence. Severe postoperative complications appear in 0.4% of cases, and need for overnight admission was 4.5%. A positive association was observed between clinical recurrence and a history of prior pelvic radiotherapy (OR 2.8, 95%IC 1.3-22.2), active smoking (OR 2.1, 95%IC 1.6-2.4), infectious etiology of stricture (OR 2.3, 95%IC 1.6-8), history of previous urethroplasty (OR 2.5, 95%IC 1.7-3.2), and higher postoperative urinary catheter sizes (OR 1.8 95%IC 1.1-2.9). Median time until recurrence after the first DVIU was 65 months, after the second was 60 months, after the third was 32 months, and after the fourth was 6 months.Conclusions: Bulbar US could be safely managed with DVIU. The best clinical success is achieved in non-irradiated, non-smoker patients, without prior urethroplasties. The repetition of the procedure is significantly associated with a shorter time to clinical recurrence.

Validation Study of the LSE Classification and Scoring System in Comparison With U-Score

OBJECTIVETo validate the value of the LSE classification and scoring system in predicting surgical outcomes for male anterior urethral stricture cases. METHODSA retrospective review was conducted on 566 patients who underwent urethroplasty between August 2004 and March 2022. After excluding pelvic fracture urethral injury and non-stricture diseases and incomplete data, 358 patients were classified according to the LSE classification system, and both U score and LSE score were calculated. We investigated the relationship between LSE score and U score in predicting recurrence. Recurrence was defined as any instance requiring re-intervention. To identify factors contributing to recurrence, logistic regression analysis was performed on the LSE score and variables not included in the scoring system. RESULTSThe breakdown of S, and E components showed external trauma as the most common cause of strictures, with proximal bulbar urethra being the most common segment. Significant associations were observed between stricture etiology and segment, as well as between surgical technique and segment. A strong correlation (r = 0.73) was found between U score and LSE score, with no significant difference in predicting recurrence between the two scores. Surgical complexity differed significantly between LSE score groups, but surgical duration did not. Patients with LSE < 7 showed a better recurrence rate in Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariate logistic analysis identified LSE ≥ 7 as an independent risk factor for recurrence. CONCLUSIONThe LSE classification system and scoring system demonstrate validity in characterizing anterior urethral strictures and predicting surgical outcomes.

639. WHICH FACTORS LEAD PATIENTS WITH BENIGN ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES FOR SURGICAL TREATMENT BESIDES ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT?

Abstract Background This work proposes to evaluate patients with benign esophageal strictures, excluding caustic strictures, about their etiologies and poor prognostic factors for the success of endoscopic treatment. Methods It was evaluated in our service 38 patients, from 1992 to 2023, with benign esophageal strictures not related to caustic strictures. We could follow-up 24 patients from 7 months and 384 months (average of 136 months). Four died during the follow- up. We could analyze these following outcomes: clinical symptoms, surgical indications, age, gender, alcohol abuse, smoking, length of stricture, number of endoscopic dilation and stricture etiology. Results Concerning the 24 patients with follow-up, 4 had esophagectomy; 10 underwent endoscopic treatment with fundoplication and 10 were treated with endoscopic and medical treatment. Both groups, endoscopic and medical treatment, and endoscopic treatment with fundoplication had 4 patients that continued symptomatic (40%). The number of endoscopic dilations range from 1 to 101 (average 18) in each patient. The etiology of 38 patients with benign esophageal strictures were: 35 gastroesophageal reflux disease (13 Barrett´s esophagus); one with infectious esophagitis; one eosinophilic esophagitis and another due to esophageal varicose sclerosis. The prognostic factors to surgical treatment will be analyzed by statistical analysis. Conclusion From our data, it is possible to conclude that the endoscopic treatment is effective to manage the majority of benign esophageal strictures, even in association with fundoplication. Moreover, the main etiology was gastroesophageal reflux disease. Only few patients have developed indication to esophagectomy.

Current Potential Outcomes of Buccal Mucosal Graft Anterior Urethroplasty for Male Urethral Stricture: A Single-Centre Study in Nepal.

Objective This study evaluates the efficacy and potential complications of Buccal Mucosal Graft (BMG) urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture over a 48-month follow-up. Method A retrospective review was conducted on 130 patients who underwent various types of BMG urethroplasty between 2012 and 2019. Data on patient demographics, stricture etiology, and anatomic sitewere collected. Adverse outcomes such as complications likeerectile dysfunction (ED)persisting for over 12 months, and post-micturition dribbling (PMD) were analyzed to determine success rates, recurrent stricture risk factors, complications, and the definition of failure as stricture recurrence during the 48-month follow-up period. Results Of the 130 patients, there was a recurrence in 15.4 % (20 males), yielding a success rate of 84.6% (n=110). ED was reported in 11% (n=14) and PMD in 14% (n=18). All instances of ED were non-organic, and patients were administered oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These complications were observed in 20 patients (15.4%); with urinary fistula (3.0%), graft contracture (2.3%), graft failure (3.8%), urinary tract infection (UTI) (3.0%), and wound infection (2.3%) being the most prevalent after penile urethroplasty. Univariate analysis indicated age (31-50 years, >50 = P<0.05) at surgery, etiology (Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO)= P<0.05), stricture length (4.1-8 cm, >8 cm = P<0.05), and location as significant predictors of stricture recurrence. However, multivariate analysis highlighted penile location (P<0.05) as the sole independent predictor for restricture during the follow-up period. Conclusion BMG urethroplasty demonstrates a substantial 84.6% success rate in treating anterior urethral stricture over a 48-month follow-up period. This outcome underscores the advancements in healthcare quality in resource-limited settings in countries like Nepal.

Research on a new type of ureteral stent material Zn-2Cu-0.5Fe-xMn with controllable degradation rate

The placement of ureteral stents plays a crucial role in the treatment of ureteral strictures, therefore requiring high material performance standards. In addition, depending on the etiology of ureteral strictures, there are significant differences in the retention time of ureteral stents, thus requiring different degradation rates for the stents. Therefore, it is crucial to develop stent materials with high performance and controllable degradation rates. This study explores the potential of Zn-2Cu-0.5Fe-xMn alloy as a ureteral stent material, utilizing the antibacterial effect of copper ions, the strengthening effect of Fe element on Zn-based alloys, and the accelerated degradation effect of Mn element. The research found that with the increase in Mn content, the average grain size of the alloy and the size of (Fe, Mn)Zn13 phase gradually increased, leading to a decrease in hardness. The corrosion rate of the alloy increased with the increase in Mn content, attributed to changes in grain size and standard electrode potential differences between elements. Due to the antibacterial effects of Zn ions and Cu ions, the Zn-2Cu-0.5Fe-xMn alloy exhibits good anti-stone formation capabilities. Furthermore, the alloy also demonstrates acceptable cytotoxicity. Therefore, the Zn-2Cu-0.5Fe-xMn alloy is expected to become an important implant material in urological surgery.

A single-institution experience with the Optilume Urethral Drug Coated Balloon for management of urethral stricture disease.

Urethral stricture disease is detrimental to quality of life. The Optilume Urethral Drug Coated Balloon (DCB) offers a solution utilizing a paclitaxel-coated balloon to expand strictures and prevent recurrence. Following the ROBUST trials, it has been proposed that DCB is more effective than conventional endoscopic management for recurrent, small anterior urethral strictures. Our study provides insights into practical applications and outcomes using DCB for urethral stricture disease. A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent DCB for urethral strictures at our institution from November 2022 to August 2023 with follow-up evaluated through January 2024. Demographics, stricture characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Primary endpoint was need for repeat intervention as determined by symptomatic burden and subsequently postoperative post-void residual if obtained. Secondary endpoint was complication rate. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA/BE17.0 software to create Kaplan-Meier curves for time to repeat intervention after treatment with DCB. Of 43 patients, 16 had no prior treatment. The other 27 had endoscopic treatment and of this group, 11 also had additional urethroplasty. Stricture etiologies included 20 iatrogenic, 14 idiopathic, 5 radiation-related, 2 inflammatory, and 2 traumatic. Stricture locations were 2 fossa navicularis, 7 pendulous, 17 bulbar, 7 membranous, 3 prostatic, and 7 bladder neck contractures. Mean balloon dilation lasted 8.4±2.7 minutes. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 150 days postoperatively and the mean duration of follow-up for the cohort was 290.3±87.0 days. The average postoperative post-void residual was 33.4±90.6 milliliters. Two patients had immediate complications: 1 with urinary retention after catheter removal requiring suprapubic tube placement and 1 with urinary tract infection requiring antibiotics. Four patients required repeat interventions: 1 endoscopic dilation, 1 graft urethroplasty, and 2 repeat DCB procedures. Mean time to repeat intervention was 203.5±82.6 days, and no patient required repeat intervention within 145 days of initial surgery. DCB offers a safe and less invasive treatment for both treatment-naïve and recurrent urethral strictures with paclitaxel coating to prevent recurrence. Repeat intervention was not required for 90.7% of our cohort within an average follow-up duration of 9 months postoperatively. As DCB grows in clinical use, investigation into its long-term efficacy is justified.

High frequency of concomitant squamous metaplasia in bulbar urethral stricture and its association with reconstructive delay and urethral rest.

To determine the prevalence of concomitant squamous metaplasia (SM), the initial histological change from normal urethra to urethral stricture, in bulbar urethral strictures and to investigate the associated clinical factors. A retrospective review was conducted on 165 male patients with bulbar urethral strictures who underwent excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) between 2010 and 2020, for whom complete clinical data and excised urethral specimens were available. An experienced pathologist histologically evaluated concomitant SM in paraffin sections of the proximal end of the excised urethra blinded to the clinical data. Disease duration was calculated as the period from the initial diagnosis of urethral stricture to the date of EPA. The association between concomitant SM and clinical background was investigated. SM was identified in 86 (52.1%) patients. The median disease duration in patients with SM (38months) was significantly longer than that in patients without SM (9months, p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, the longer disease duration, non-traumatic stricture etiology, and failure to maintain urethral rest with urinary diversion via a suprapubic tube for more than 90days were independent factors predicting concomitant SM. No significant difference was observed in success rates of EPA between patients with SM (93.2%) and those without SM (97.5%, p = 0.18). Reconstructive urologists need to be aware that concomitant SM is frequent in patients with bulbar urethral stricture, especially in those with long disease duration and those who were voiding volitionally during the period of urethral rest.

Ureteroenteric strictures after cystectomy: Side-specific risk factors and radiological assessment.

To evaluate risk factors contributing to side-specific benign ureteroenteric strictures following radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit. Data obtained from patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy with ileal conduit surgery between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Imaging prior to surgery was analysed, regarding calcifications in the aorta, sarcopenia and postoperatively for length of remaining left ureter. Descriptive analyses were performed on preoperative and perioperative data, comparing patients who developed unilateral left- or right-sided strictures, bilateral strictures, to those who remained free of strictures. COX regression analysis was employed to calculate crude and adjusted hazard ratio for side-specific strictures. The study included 395 patients. Strictures developed in 19% (75/395) of the patients, within a median period of 9months: 57% (43/75) unilateral left sided, 20% (15/75) unilateral right sided and 23% (17/75) bilateral. Unilateral left-sided stricture was associated with higher body mass index (p = 0.077) and hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.007). Right-sided stricture was associated with a history of prior abdominal surgery (p = 0.029) and postoperative leakage (p = 0.004). Bilateral stricture was associated with smoking (p = 0.006) and high BMI (p = 0.015). The adjusted HR comparing patients with and without previous abdominal surgery was only significantly higher for right-sided ureteroenteric strictures (HR 3.18 [95% CI: 1.11; 9.05]) compared with patients without strictures. No association was identified between strictures and preoperative aortic calcification of the abdominal aorta or sarcopenia as estimated from imaging. The aetiology of ureteroenteric strictures appears multifactorial. Our findings suggest that development of left-sided stricture is influenced by factors associated with metabolic syndrome, indicating a potential role of distal ureteric ischemia. On the other hand, right-sided stricture was more frequent in patients with previous abdominal surgery and postoperative leakage.

False-negative factors of percutaneous transluminal clamp biopsy for suspected malignant biliary stricture: 194 cases analyzed from a single center

ObjectiveTo study the predictive factors of false negatives in the diagnosis of biliary stricture (BS) by percutaneous transluminal clamp biopsy (PTCB).MethodFrom January 2016 to January 2021, 194 patients with a high suspicion of malignant tumors due to BS underwent PTCB during biliary drainage at our department. The final diagnosis was confirmed by postoperative pathology, other tissue or cell evidence, or medical imaging follow-up. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed on the pathological results, summarizing the independent risk factors for false-negative value (FNV) to help further clinical diagnosis and treatment.ResultsOf the 194 cases, 176 and 18 cases were finally diagnosed as malignant and benign BS, respectively, compared to 144 and 50 cases by PTCB, including 32 false-negative cases. The sensitivity, specificity, false-positive value, and FNV of PTCB were 81.8%, 100%, 0%, and 18.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that non-cholangiocarcinoma BS was an independent risk factor for FNV of PTCB (odds ratio 7.5 (95% CI 1.74–32.6), p < 0.01).ConclusionPTCB is an effective minimally invasive interventional technique for BS diagnosis. Non-cholangiocarcinoma BS is an independent risk factor for FNV.Critical relevance statementIdentifying factors that are predictive of false-negative results by percutaneous transluminal clamp biopsy in the setting of biliary stricture may have a guiding effect on clinical practice.Key points• Factors predictive of false negatives in the diagnosis of biliary stricture etiology by PTCB may aid in the interpretation of results.• Non-cholangiocarcinoma BS is an independent risk factor for FNV on PTCB.• PTCB is an effective minimally invasive interventional technique for BS diagnosis.Graphical

Deep Phenotyping the Anterior Urethral Stricture: Characterizing the Relationship Between Inflammation, Fibrosis, Patient History, and Disease Pathophysiology.

Anterior urethral stricture disease (aUSD) is a complex, heterogeneous condition that is idiopathic in origin for most men. This gap in knowledge rarely affects the current management strategy for aUSD, as urethroplasty does not generally consider etiology. However, as we transition towards personalized, minimally invasive treatments for aUSD and begin to consider aUSD prevention strategies, disease pathophysiology will become increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to perform a deep phenotype of men undergoing anterior urethroplasty for aUSD. We hypothesized that unique biologic signatures and potential targets for intervention would emerge based on stricture presence/absence, stricture etiology, and the presence/absence of stricture inflammation. Men with aUSD undergoing urethroplasty were recruited from one of 5 participating centers. Enrollees provided urethral stricture tissue and blood/serum on the day of surgery and completed patient-reported outcome measure questionnaires both pre- and postoperatively. The initial study had 3 aims: (1) to determine pediatric and adult subacute and repeated perineal trauma (SRPT) exposures using a study-specific SRPT questionnaire, (2) to determine the degree of inflammation and fibrosis in aUSD and peri-aUSD (normal urethra) tissue, and (3) to determine levels of systemic inflammatory and fibrotic cytokines. Two controls groups provided serum (normal vasectomy patients) and urethral tissue (autopsy patients). Cohorts were based on the presence/absence of stricture, by presumed stricture etiology (idiopathic, traumatic/iatrogenic, lichen sclerosus [LS]), and by the presence/absence of stricture inflammation. Of 138 enrolled men (120 tissue/serum; 18 stricture tissue only), 78 had idiopathic strictures, 33 had trauma-related strictures, and 27 had LS-related strictures. BMI, stricture length, and stricture location significantly differed between cohorts (P < .001 for each). The highest BMIs and the longest strictures were observed in the LS cohort. SRPT exposures did not significantly differ between etiology cohorts, with > 60% of each reporting low/mild risk. Stricture inflammation significantly differed between cohorts, with mild to severe inflammation present in 27% of trauma-related strictures, 54% of idiopathic strictures, and 48% of LS strictures (P = .036). Stricture fibrosis did not significantly differ between cohorts (P = .7). Three serum cytokines were significantly higher in patients with strictures compared to stricture-free controls: interleukin-9 (IL-9; P = .001), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (P = .004), and CCL5 (P = .01). No differences were observed in the levels of these cytokines based on stricture etiology. However, IL-9 levels were significantly higher in patients with inflamed strictures than in patients with strictures lacking inflammation (P = .019). Degree of stricture inflammation positively correlated with serum levels of IL-9 (Spearman's rho 0.224, P = .014). The most common aUSD etiology is idiopathic. Though convention has implicated SRPT as causative for idiopathic strictures, here we found that patients with idiopathic strictures had low SRPT rates that were similar to rates in patients with a known stricture etiology. Stricture and stricture-adjacent inflammation in idiopathic stricture were similar to LS strictures, suggesting shared pathophysiologic mechanisms. IL-9, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, and CCL5, which were elevated in patients with strictures, have been implicated in fibrotic conditions elsewhere in the body. Further work will be required to determine if this shared biologic signature represents a potential mechanism for an aUSD predisposition.

A novel self-inflatable balloon for treating refractory benign esophageal strictures: a prospective, single-arm, multicenter study.

Current treatments for refractory benign esophageal strictures (BESs) often take several years and have poor effects. The authors propose a novel method of self-help inflatable balloon (SHIB) and evaluate its efficacy and safety. A prospective, multicenter study was conducted from January 2019 to March 2022. All enrolled patients were diagnosed with refractory BESs and received SHIB. The primary endpoint was the clinical success rate at 12 months after removing SHIB. The secondary endpoints were the number of days of placing SHIB, and changes from baseline in BMI and health-related quality of life at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The clinical success rate was 51.2% (21/41) with the median days of placing SHIB being 104.0 days (range: 62.0-134.5 days), which was higher in the endoscopic group compared to the caustic and surgery groups (63.3 vs. 28.6% vs. 0, P=0.025). All patients (100%) showed significant improvement in dysphagia scores during placing SHIB. Although 20 patients (48.8%) experienced recurrent stricture, the median stricture length was decreased (P<0.001) and the median intervention-free interval was prolonged (P<0.001). In all patients, the mean BMI at and health-related quality of life at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were significantly increased compared with baseline (P<0.05). On multivariate analysis, stricture etiology and wearing time were independent predictors of recurrent stricture. The SHIB has high efficacy and safety in treating refractory BESs of different origins, especially for endoscopic resection. Stricture etiology and wearing time were independent predictors of recurrent stricture.

UrethroNAV: the aetiology and extent of idiopathic urethral stricture in an Australian population.

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is considered a causative factor in 10% of cases of idiopathic urethral stricture disease (IUSD), which is important for determining management strategies due to the underlying pathophysiology. Traditional excision urethroplasty may not be effective as inflammation often extends beyond the macroscopic stricture. This pilot study aims to answer two research questions: is LS an underlying cause of some idiopathic cause of strictures, and, if there is histological evidence suggesting predisposition of the surrounding tissue to strictures. Biopsies were taken from the stricture site as well as 1 and 2 cm proximal and distal in patients with IUSD. Histological features, including macroscopic and microscopic findings, were reported, including the presence of LS, hyperkeratosis, epidermal changes, lichenoid infiltrates, ulceration, scarring, and inflammation. Methylene blue was used to aid in locating damaged urothelium. Patients were prospectively followed up after urethroplasty. From 109 urethroplasties performed between 2019 to 2022, 15 male patients were enrolled after meeting specific inclusion criteria. These criteria included a diagnosis of IUSD and the absence of any evidence of trauma, macroscopic inflammatory disease, or previous endoscopic instrumentation of the urethra. Patients had to be at least 16 years old and medically suitable for undergoing urethroplasty. The study was approved by the hospitals ethics committees. None had macroscopic evidence of LS. One patient had microscopic evidence of LS at the 2 cm proximal biopsy only. A total of 93% of patients had scarring proximal and distal to the stricture, while 20-40% had inflammatory change. The patient with microscopic LS and two inflammatory change patients had stricture recurrence after urethroplasty. Additionally, one patient with inflammatory changes was diagnosed with penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN) and underwent partial penectomy. Findings suggest that an underlying cause of IUSD could be LS. Additionally, the pathophysiology may involve scarring and inflammation beyond the limits of the stricture with extension distal from the stricture site. Careful evaluation for concomitant urethral pathology should be considered in cases of inflammatory changes. These findings should be considered in the surgical management of IUSD and warrant further research into the role of routine biopsy and drug targets in USD.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound in diagnosis of unexplained distal common bile duct structure

Determining the etiology of a distal biliary stricture without an identifiable mass on imaging is crucial to the provision of appropriate therapy.

Is urethral stricture really so often idiopathic? Exploring the etiology of urethral strictures in males undergoing urethroplasty: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the etiology of urethral stricture disease (USD) in a large series of patients undergoing urethroplasty. The multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at two reconstructive urology referral centers in years 2015-2022. Prior to the surgical intervention, all patients underwent diagnostic procedures including retrograde urethrography and voiding cystourethrography. We collected comprehensive demographic and medical data including the length and location of the stricture. We paid particular attention to identifying the underlying causes of USD in the medical records. The study included 949 patients meeting criteria, with a mean age of 53. The primary cause of USD was identified as iatrogenic (404 cases, 42.6%), followed by trauma (210, 22.1%), previous hypospadias repair (122, 12.9%), lichen sclerosus (32, 3.4%), and infections (12, 1.3%). Notably, 169 patients (17.8%) did not have a discernible cause for their USD and were thus classified as idiopathic. Furthermore, it was observed that 66% of idiopathic USD cases were localized in the bulbar urethra. The etiology of USD varied significantly based on its localization (p <0.01). The mean stricture length differed among different causes, with the longest in patients with USD due to lichen sclerosus (41 mm), followed by previous hypospadias repair (35 mm), and iatrogenic causes (29 mm), p <0.001. Careful medical history-taking can identify the etiology of urethral stricture in over 80% of patients undergoing urethroplasty. The etiology of the USD impacts its location and length and thus can affect surgical treatment strategy and outcomes.

Affirming Long-Term Outcomes After Contemporary Urethroplasty: The Adverse Impact of Increasing Stricture Length, Lichen Sclerosus, Radiation, and Infectious Strictures.

There is a paucity of reported long-term outcomes after contemporary urethroplasty. Our objective is to determine the long-term success of modern urethroplasty and identify factors associated with stricture recurrence in this context. Patients undergoing urethroplasty from July 2003 to May 2013 with at least 100 months of follow-up were identified. Long-term outcomes including stricture recurrence and patient satisfaction were evaluated by review of regional/provincial electronic records and telephone interview. Urethroplasty failure was defined as a recurrent stricture (<16F) confirmed on cystoscopy. Cox regression was used to evaluate variables associated with long-term stricture recurrence. A total of 733 patients were identified with ≥ 100 months follow-up. Median patient age was 45 years, stricture length was 4.7 cm, and 85.8% failed prior endoscopic treatment. At a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 89 recurrences were observed. Cumulative incidence of stricture recurrence was 6%, 10%, and 12% after 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. From a patient-reported perspective, 89% of patients reported being satisfied with the outcome of surgery. On multivariable analyses, increasing stricture length (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.05-1.15; P < .001) and stricture etiology (P < .001), in particular lichen sclerosus (HR 4.46, 95% CI 2.25-9.53), radiation (HR 4.25, 95% CI 1.65-10.9), and infectious strictures (HR 5.27, 95% CI 2.03-13.7), were independently associated with stricture recurrence. This study affirms the widely held belief that modern urethroplasty provides high long-term patency and patient-reported satisfaction. Patients with longer strictures as well as those with lichen sclerosus, radiation, and infectious etiologies have a higher hazard of stricture recurrence in the long term.

Shorter Ureters Lead to Fewer Strictures Following Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion

To identify the impact of length of distal ureteral resection on the risk of benign uretero-enteric anastomotic stricture (UEAS) formation following cystectomy and urinary diversion. A database of patients who underwent cystectomy and urinary diversion from 2015 to 2022 was analyzed. Distal ureteral resections were sent for final pathology. The length of resected ureter was collected from pathology reports. Benign UEAS were confirmed with renal scintigraphy, antegrade nephrostogram, or endoscopic evaluation. The relationship between stricture formation and clinical parameters were assessed using T-tests, Chi-square tests, and multivariable analysis. A total of 366 patients underwent cystectomy and urinary diversion. Of the cohort, 35 (9.5%) patients developed UEAS. Median time to stricture formation was 12.5 months (IQR 4-30). Of the 711 uretero-enteric anastomoses, 40 (5.6%) ultimately formed a UEAS. Median distal ureteral resection was significantly longer among ureteral anastomoses which did not form a UEAS (2.3 cm vs. 1.65 cm, p=0.028). Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for surgical approach, prior radiation, ureteral side, and urinary diversion type demonstrated that longer distal ureteral resections were inversely associated with odds of UEAS formation (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.92). Multivariable Cox regression analysis similarly showed that length of distal ureteral resection was inversely associated with time to stricture formation (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62-0.98). The etiology of benign UIA strictures is multifactorial. Vascular compromise is a critical hypothesis. We found that longer distal ureteral resections (and thus shorter ureters) were associated with a significantly lower risk of stricture formation in cystectomy patients.

Is urethral stricture really so often idiopathic? Exploring the etiology of urethral strictures in males undergoing urethroplasty: A multicenter retrospective cohort study

Is urethral stricture really so often idiopathic? Exploring the etiology of urethral strictures in males undergoing urethroplasty: A multicenter retrospective cohort study

Etiology, diagnostic pathway and treatment of urethral strictures in men

Etiology, diagnostic pathway and treatment of urethral strictures in men

Biosynthetic Plastics as Tunable Elastic and Visible Stent with Shape-Memory to Treat Biliary Stricture.

Common biliary tract is ≈4mm in diameter to deliver bile from liver to small intestine to help digestion. The abnormal narrowing leads to severe symptoms such as pain and nausea. Stents are an effective treatment. Compared with non-degradable stents which require repeated removal, biodegradable stents have the advantage of reducing secondary injury related to endoscopic operation and patient burden. However, current biodegradable materials may cause tissue hyperplasia and the treatment method does not target etiology of stricture. So recurrence rates after biodegradable stent implantation are still high. Here, a biodegradable helical stent fabricated from biosynthetic P(3HB-co-4HB) is reported. Tunable properties can be acquired through altering culture substrates. Stent shows shape memory in various solvents. The stent has an optimized design with helical structure and outer track. The self-expanding of helical structure and double drainage realized by outer track greatly improve drainage of bile. Importantly, stent-loading triamcinolone acetonide can inhibit proliferation of fibroblasts and reduce incidence of restricture. Therapeutic effect is also demonstrated in minipigs with biliary stricture. The results of minipig experiments show that biliary duct in treatment group is unobstructed and tissue hyperplasia is effectively inhibited.

Preliminary results of a new surgical technique: bladder mucosal graft harvested with holmium:YAG (HO:YAG) laser. A new option in bulbar replacement urethroplasty?

To describe the technique of transurethral harvesting of bladder mucosal graft using the Holmium:YAG (Ho-YAG) laser and describe the preliminary results from 7 cases where this graft was used for urethroplasty. We performed a single-stage dorsal onlay urethroplasty using bladder mucosal graft in 7 patients with anterior urethral stricture. Transurethral harvesting was performed with the Ho-YAG laser. We performed a prospective and descriptive analysis with uroflowmetry performed at 30, 90 and 180 days after surgery and applied the PROM translated into Portuguese before and 6 months after urethroplasty. Seven patients were included, 2 (28.5%) with penile urethral stricture, and 5 (71.5%) with bulbar urethral stricture. Mean stricture length was 50mm (range 35-60mm). Stricture etiology was trauma in 3 (42.9%) patients, iatrogenic in 1 (14.3%) patient, and idiopathic in 3 (42.9%) patients. Two patients (28.6%) had previously undergone ventral buccal mucosa urethroplasty. Mean bladder mucosal graft length was 52.86mm (± 13.801), and mean harvest time was 46.43min (± 14.639). Dorsal onlay urethroplasty using bladder mucosa was successfully completed in 5 patients (71.4%). Two patients (28.6%) couldn't have the procedure completed using bladder mucosa, one due to thermal damage of the graft during harvesting, and one due to insufficient graft length. In both cases the procedure was completed using buccal mucosa. Two patients (28.6%) experienced minor hematuria between the twelfth and eighteenth postoperative day, but neither required hospitalization and/or additional procedures. All patients achieved normalization of peak flow, and this was maintained throughout the follow-up period. Mean peak flow was 17.8 ml/s (± 3.271) at 30 days, 20.6 ml/s (± 5.413) at 90 days, and 19.6 ml/s (± 8.019) 180 days. Mean IPSS score decreased from 19.3 to 5.4. Similar improvements were also seen in the ICIQ-MLUTS Score (a mean drop from 3.8 to 2.0) and Peeling's Voiding Picture Score (a mean drop from 4.0 to 2.2). Quality of Life improved post urethroplasty, with increases in EQ-5D (from 0.6371 to 0.7285) and EQ-VAS (from 58.0 to 84.0). Transurethral harvesting of bladder mucosa using the Holmium laser (Ho-YAG) is feasible and reproducible. Our preliminary experience suggests that bladder mucosa grafts achieve comparable results to other grafts when used for dorsal onlay urethroplasty. Further research is needed to confirm these results.