Urethral Strictures In Children Research Articles

Risk-Factor Analysis and Prediction-Model Construction of Urethral Stricture after Hypospadias Surgery in Children: A Single-Centre Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to explore the incidence of postoperative urethral stricture in children after hypospadias surgery, analyse its risk factors, and construct a prediction model. We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 402 children with hypospadias surgery in Hunan Children's Hospital from January 2022 to January 2023. To explore the risk factors of urethral stricture after hypospadias surgery in children, the incidence of postoperative urethral stricture in children was statistically analysed, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were adopted. A prediction model was established, and the prediction efficiency of the model was examined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. The incidence of postoperative urethral stricture in children after hypospadias surgery was 9.20% (37/402). On this basis, the children were divided into stricture group (SG, n = 37) and normal group (NG, n = 365). Both groups had overt differences in disease classification, urinary tract infection, indwelling-catheter time, and surgical methods (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that urinary tract infection, surgical methods, and long indwelling-catheter time were the risk factors (p < 0.001). The prediction model constructed based on the above results had certain prediction efficiency. More attention should be paid to children with urinary tract infection, high-risk surgery, and long indwelling-catheter time after hypospadias surgery. Our prediction model can serve as an effective reference for evaluating the occurrence of postoperative urethral stricture.

Можливості використання ендоскопічного обладнання в лікуванні коротких посттравматичних стриктур уретри в дітей

Актуальність. Пошкодження уретри при пошкодженні кісток таза в дітей відмічається рідше, ніж у дорослих (менше 1 %) (Tarman G.J. et al., 2002). Посттравматична стриктура уретри в дітей є досить рідкісною та складною урологічною патологією. З урахуванням анатомічних особливостей лікування стриктури уретри в дітей відрізняється від її лікування в дорослих (Onen A. et al., 2005; Nerli R.B. et al., 2008; Ranjan P. et al., 2011). М.М. Koraitim (2012) описав досвід лікування 20 хворих з ускладненнями після трансперинеальної пластики уретри. Автор відмітив, що у разі відсутності необхідності реконструкції шийки сечового міхура достатньо ефективним є ендоскопічне розсічення стриктури уретри. Т.Е. Helmy, А.Т. Hafez (2013) теж описали результати успішного застосування ендоскопічного обладнання (пряма візуальна уретротомія) після відкритих уретропластик. Важливим моментом, що спонукає до пошуку ефективних малоінвазивних методів лікування посттравматичних стриктур уретри в дітей, є розвиток еректильної дисфункції у подальшому, що, за даними деяких авторів (Koraitim M.M., 2014), становить до 47 %. Мета дослідження: на основі доступних літературних даних і власних результатів лікування дітей із стриктурами задньої уретри установити роль ендоскопічного лікування вказаної складної патології як методу профілактики та лікування нервово-м’язової дисфункції сечового міхура. Матеріали та методи. На базі хірургічних відділень Житомирської обласної дитячої клінічної лікарні широко впроваджені малоінвазивні ендоскопічні методи діагностики та лікування патології нижніх сечових шляхів. Наявне обладнання дає можливість проводити діагностичні процедури, починаючи з місячного віку. Виконується цілий ряд ендоскопічних оперативних втручань на нижніх сечових шляхах, а саме: видалення конкрементів, розсічення клапанів та стриктур задньої уретри, розсічення кіст уретри та ектопічних уретероцеле тощо. Також у 2010 році вперше виконано спробу за допомогою черезшкірної трипортової цистоскопії видалити вклинений у рубцево-змінену задню уретру конкремент. З 2013 року розпочато лікування посттравматичних стриктур задньої уретри під ендоскопічним контролем. Результати. Подано результати успішного малоінвазивного лікування із застосуванням сучасного ендоскопічного обладнання у двох хворих із посттравматичними стриктурами задньої уретри. Особливо наголошено на ефективності методу в діагностиці та лікуванні нервово-м’язової дисфункції сечового міхура в даної категорії хворих. Висновки. Отже, застосування сучасного малоінвазивного обладнання не лише дає можливість ефективно діагностувати пошкодження нижніх сечових шляхів, а й може бути дієвим механізмом малотравматичного хірургічного лікування при коротких посттравматичних стриктурах уретри в дитячому віці. Своєчасне якісне лікування рубцевих стриктур уретри в дітей зведе до мінімуму розвиток інфравезикальної обструкції та порушення евакуаторної функції сечового міхура із розвитком його нервово-м’язової дисфункції.

Outcome of anastomotic urethroplasty in traumatic stricture (distraction defect) of posterior urethra in boys

ABSTRACT Objective To report the outcomes of operative management of traumatic posterior urethral distraction defect in boys at our Centre, as traumatic posterior urethral stricture in children is a rare condition that presents a major surgical challenge to the paediatric urologist and consensus on the optimal treatment of these strictures in children has not been reached. Patients and methods We retrospectively analysed our data from July 2013 to June 2018. All boys aged ≤16 years with traumatic posterior bulbo-prostatic obliteration (distraction defect) were included. Initial suprapubic cystostomy and delayed definite anastomotic urethroplasty was done in all the boys. The boys were evaluated preoperatively with a retrograde urethrogram and simultaneous voiding cystourethrogram, as well as cystourethroscopy. Results A total of 38 boys, with posterior urethral distraction defect, were divided into primary and redo surgery groups. The primary group comprised 34 boys who were operated upon for the first time. A perineal approach with development of an inter-crural space was done in 12 boys and along with an inferior pubectomy in 19 boys. Three boys in the primary group needed a transpubic approach due to a longer defect. In the redo group, there were six boys, of which four were operated initially outside our hospital, while two were our own unsuccessful urethroplasties. In the redo group, a perineal approach with inferior pubectomy was done in two boys and a transpubic urethroplasty in the remaining four boys. The success rate of anastomotic urethroplasty without any ancillary procedures was 81.5% (strict criterion), while the overall success rate was 94.7% (permissible criterion, which included boys who were managed later with direct vision internal urethrotomy and dilatation). Conclusion The ideal treatment of post-traumatic posterior urethral defect/strictures in boys is tension-free bulbo-prostatic anastomosis. This was done using a transperineal approach in most of the boys, but a few required a transpubic approach, with good results. Abbreviations DVIU: direct vision internal urethrotomy; SPC: suprapubic cystostomy; SUI: stress urinary incontinence

A Retrospective Survey of Pediatric Urethral Stricture in Isfahan, Iran

BackgroundIn order to ensure maximum recovery, stenosis management of the narrow and fragile tissue of urethra in children should be based on ingenious preserving of adequate urethral caliber.ObjectivesOwing to advancements in pediatric surgery that lead to improving the quality and quantity of life in recent years, it is necessary to evaluate urethral strictures and its management. With this respect, we studied the management of children with urethral strictures in two tertiary hospitals in Isfahan, Iran.MethodsAfter obtaining ethical committee clearance (code number 396454), a retrospective search of the hospital information system was carried out for urethral stricture in children aged up to 15 years from 2008 to 2018. We studied all children who underwent the management for urethral strictures associated with recorded data (ICD-10; n = 35.9). Data were analyzed by SPSS and age, as a continuous variable, was expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsFor over a period of 10 years, there were 383 children, including 348 boys and 35 girls, with the mean ± SD age of 5.5 ± 3.4 years old. The management strategies for boys with the disease of urethra ranked as: dilation of urethra (n = 99), urethral meatotomy (n = 82), urethral meatoplasty (n = 75), urethrotomy (n = 7) and unspecified management (n = 85). In girls, the ranked values corresponded to dilation of urethra (n = 14), diagnostic ureteroscopy (n = 7), and unspecified management (n = 12). There was a significant difference associated with age in each subgroup. Statistical analysis based on the Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference between the variables (P < 0.0001). The minimum age for urethrotomy in the population studied was 4 years old.ConclusionsIn pediatric, surgical treatment is an optimistic surrogate transaction to take the majority of cases with urethral strictures. As a result, in order to decrease complications such as incontinence, impotency, and surgical risks associated with major reconstructive procedures, proper repair at the appropriate time is recommended.

Traumatic Posterior Urethral Strictures in Children and Adolescents.

Background: Management of partial or complete traumatic urethral disruptions of the posterior urethra in children and adolescents, secondary to pelvic fracture poses a challenge. Controversy exists as to the correct acute treatment of posterior urethral injuries and delayed management of PFPUDDs. We reviewed the urological literature related to the treatment of traumatic posterior urethral injuries and delayed repair of these distraction defects in children and adolescents.Material and Methods: There are few long-term outcomes studies of patients who underwent PFPUDDs repairs in childhood; most reports included few cases with short follow up. We excluded studies in which the cohort of patients was heterogeneous in terms of stricture disease, etiology and location.Results: Primary cystostomy and delayed urethroplasty is the traditional management for PFPUIs. Immediate repair is rarely possible to perform. Realignment of posterior urethral rupture in children is indicated in special situations: (a) concomitant bladder neck tears, (b) associated rectal lacerations, (c) long disruptions of the urethral ends. Before delayed reconstruction ascending urethrography and micturating cystourethrogram along with retrograde and antegrade urethroscopy define site and length of the urethral gap. However, the most accurate evaluation of the characteristics of the distraction defect is made when surgical exposure reveals the complexity of the ruptured urethra. Partial ruptures may be managed with urethral stenting or suprapubic cystostomy, which may result in a patent urethra or a short stricture treated by optical urethrotomy. The gold standard treatment for PFPUDDs in children is deferred excision of pelvic fibrosis and bulbo-prostatic tension-free anastomosis, provided a healthy anterior urethra is present. Timing of delayed repair is at 3 to 4 months after trauma. Some urologists prefer either the perineal access or the transpubic approach to restore urethral continuity in children with PFPUDDs. Substitution urethroplasties are used in children with PFPUDDs, when anastomotic repair can't be achieved due to severe damage of the bulbar urethra.Conclusion: As evidenced in this review the progressive perineo-abdominal partial transpubic anastomotic repair has advantages over the isolated perineal anastomotic approach in patients with “complex” PFPUDD. This approach provides wider exposure and facilitates reconstruction of long or complicated posterior urethral distraction defects

Anterior Urethral Strictures in Children: Disease Etiology and Comparative Effectiveness of Endoscopic Treatment vs. Open Surgical Reconstruction.

Pediatric anterior urethral strictures are rare and recommendations regarding treatment strategies derive from small monocentric case series. In 2014, a collaborative effort of the Société Internationale d'Urologie and the International Consultation on Urological Diseases drafted the first systematic and evidence-based guideline for diagnosis and treatment of urethral strictures in children. Against this backdrop, we performed an updated literature review to provide a comprehensive summary of the available evidence and contemporary outcomes with a focus on comparative effectiveness of endoscopic treatment (dilation or urethrotomy) vs. open surgical reconstruction. Overall, 22 articles reporting on children with anterior urethral strictures were included into the review. Most strictures were iatrogenic (48%) and traumatic (34%), whereas congenital (13%), inflammatory (4%), or postinfectious strictures (1%) were rather rare. The cumulative success rate of endoscopic treatment and urethroplasty was 46% (range: 21–75; N = 334) and 84% (range: 25–100; N = 347), respectively. After stratifying patients according to urethroplasty technique, success rates were 82% (range: 25–100; N = 206) for excision and primary anastomosis, 94% (range: 75–100; N = 40) for graft augmentation, 97% (range: 87–100; N = 30) for flap urethroplasty, and 70% (one study; N = 20) for pull-through urethroplasty. In conclusion, endoscopic approaches are rather ineffective in the long-term and open surgical reconstruction via urethroplasty should be preferred to avoid multiple, repetitive interventions. Future research may involve multi-institutional, collaborative, and prospective studies, incorporating well-defined outcome criteria and assessing objective surgical endpoints as well as patient-reported functional outcomes.

Urethroplasty for traumatic urethral strictures in children and adolescents

Urethroplasty for traumatic urethral strictures in children and adolescents

Stricture Urethra in Children: An Indian Perspective.

Background:Pediatric urethral stricture and its treatment have functional implications in the growing child.Subjects and Methods:A retrospective study of records on urethral strictures encountered in our institution between January 2005 and May 2016 yielded 23 boys against a backdrop of 19,250 admissions during the same period; stenosis and strictures after hypospadias repair were not included in this study. Demographic data were collected from the charts, and the success of repair was assessed clinically by success of repair was assessed clinically by observing for presence or absence of symptoms such as dribbling, straining at voiding, adequacy of urinary stream and radiologicaly by assessing the micturition phase of voiding cystourethrogram. Success was defined as successful initiation, flow, and completion of voiding with radiological evidence of reestablishment of urethral continuity.Results:The most common cause of urethral stricture was perineal or pelvic trauma (56.5%). Three after surgery for anorectal malformation (13.04%) and 2 (8.6%) followed otherwise unspecified urethritis. Transperineal and transpubic anastomotic routes were used for surgery. Redo surgery was required in 47.8%. The overall success rate was 82%. A self-catheterizable mitrofanoff channel was created as part of the primary procedure in 63.6% (7/11) or after the failure of the first procedure in 36.3% (4/11).Conclusion:The majority of urethral strictures are long-segment strictures or those with complete disruption not amenable to endoscopic techniques. The aim of the surgery is to obtain end-to-end opposition of healthy proximal and distal urethra. The route – transperineal or transpubic – which will give the best access to the ends of the urethra is determined by the location and extent of the stricture and the alteration in anatomy as a consequence of the pelvic fracture. Even after the introduction of laser and endoscopic techniques, surgical repair is required to tackle the majority of urethral strictures in children.

Radiographic gapometry score: A simple predictor for surgical approach in pediatric traumatic posterior urethral strictures

Post-traumatic posterior urethral injuries in children are rare events. Their management algorithms are extrapolations from adult literature and they continue to pose a difficult challenge for pediatric urologists. Not much data for age-related feasibility of an end-to-end urethroplasty are available. This study was designed to validate a simple preoperative radiographic score to predict the type of surgical repair for traumatic posterior urethral strictures in children. This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care center in northern India between 2000 and 2015. All patients under 15 years with traumatic bulboprostatic stricture disease were included. Preoperative voiding cystourethrogam (VCUG) and retrograde urethrogram (RGU) films were used to calculate the gapometry index (G/U index), defined as the length of urethral gap divided by the bulbar urethral length. This index was then analyzed for two patient groups based on the anatomical approach employed for achieving an end-to-end urethroplasty: group 1, who underwent a simple perineal approach, and group 2, who needed a more elaborate procedure. Statistical analysis was performed with the two-tailed t-test with SPSS version 18. A total of 38 patients met the inclusion criteria. The age distribution and G/U index for both groups are detailed in the table. The difference in mean length of the urethral gap for both groups was statistically significant (2.1cm in group 1 vs. 3.6cm in group 2). There was a direct correlation between the complexity of surgical procedure required to bridge the urethral gap and the G/U index. The overall success for urethroplasty in either group was between 92.3% and 94.6%. Urethral extensibility is more suitable for younger children. This challenges the traditional viewpoint that the transpubic approach for urethroplasty is more favorable in children. No previous study has been cited in literature correlating the gapometry index with the surgical approach for posterior urethral defects. Our results reflect that a preoperative G/U index of 0.44 correlate with a simple perineal repair, whereas an index of above 0.87 indicates the likelihood of needing a more elaborate transpubic approach. Preoperative assessment of G/U index in children with traumatic posterior urethral injuries can successfully predict the operative approach and may therefore aid in better management of these patients.

The use of pedicled prepucial skin flap urethroplasty for proximal bulbomembraneous urethral stricture in children

Objective: Pediatric urethral strictures are not uncommon, and a myriad of treatment options is available. The use of pedicled prepucial skin to augment a narrowed urethra is one of the useful methods. In this study, we describe the successful use of this technique in three children with stricture of the proximal bulbomembranous urethra. Materials and methods: In this study, we reviewed three children aged 4, 7, and 10 years, respectively, with proximal bulbomembranous urethral stricture, who were treated at Christian Medical College, Vellore, India, between 2012 and 2014, using a pedicled prepucial skin flap. Results: The mean follow-up time was 28 months (range: 20–41 months). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. All three children were symptom-free with a good urinary stream at last follow-up. Conclusion: The pedicled prepucial flap technique for proximal bulbomembranous urethral stricture in children is simple and easy to perform with good overall outcome. Keywords: children, prepucial flap, urethral stricture, urethroplasty

Delayed primary end-to-end anastomosis for traumatic long segment urethral stricture and its short-term outcomes.

Background:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the aetiology of posterior urethral stricture in children and analysis of results after delayed primary repair with extensive distal urethral mobilisation.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective study carried out in a tertiary care centre from January 2009 to December 2013.Results:Eight children with median age 7.5 years (range 4–11 years), underwent delayed anastomotic urethroplasty: Six through perineal and two through combined perineal and transpubic approach. All the eight children had long-segment >2 cm stricture: Three posterior and five anterior urethral stricture. On a mean follow-up period of 33 months (range 24–48 m), all were passing urine with good flow and stream.Conclusion:End-to-end anastomosis in post-traumatic long segment posterior urethral stricture between prostatic and penile urethra in children is possible by perineal or combined perineal and transpubic approach with good results without any urethral replacement.

Trans-symphyseal urethroplasty in children

Post traumatic posterior urethral strictures were managed by trans-symphyseal urethroplasty in 11 male patients of pediatric age group. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of the technique in patients who underwent multiple unsuccessful procedures in the past. Two(18.2%) patients were 3-5 years old, 3 (27.3%) were between 6 and 8 years, 1 (9.1 %)was 10 years old whereas 5(45.5%) were 12-14 years of age. The length of the strictures varied from 1-3cm. Repair was performed after excising the stricture and anastomosing the spatulated urethral ends with interrupted sutures of 5/0 vicryl over a Foley`s catheter. Post operative follow up showed incontinence in 1(9.1%) case and prolonged urinary tract infection in 4(36.4%) cases. Postoperative stricture was not noted in only one of them at I year follow up. The authors recommend that trans-symphyseal urethroplasty is a satisfactory procedure for the treatment of posterior urethral strictures in children as it provides excellent approach and visualization with minimal post operative complications.

Free tubularised vesical mucosa graft for congenital stenosis of the urethra in children

Reconstruction of urethral strictures in children remains a challenge to the pediatric surgeon as these are often related to different rare congenital anomalies with various clinical presentations that endanger renal function and should be repaired in young children. Multiple techniques have been described for their repair. We aimed to determine whether the use of a free tubularised bladder mucosal graft associated to a prior tubeless vesicostomy was feasible and sure, as this technique of reconstruction using tubularised grafts has not been described yet in young children. Two newborn male patients were referred to our department. Both presented a congenital stenosis of the urethra as a part of a complex urethral malformation. Surgery involved prior tubeless vesicostomy, free bladder mucosal graft for urethral reconstruction, and vesicostomy closure for both children. Postoperative evolution was satisfying in both children and cystourethroscopy showed permeable urethra. Satisfying cosmetic and functional results have been obtained in the two cases. The prior vesicostomy prevents kidney damage in the context of complex genital and urinary malformations. Bladder mucosa's immunohistological properties are the most similar to those of the urethral tissue, and are appropriate for this type of correction, making our technique feasible and sure. 5.

Urethral strictures in children

The review is an attempt to present the current literature regarding strictures in children to provide an evidence-based recommendation regarding diagnosis and treatment. The level of evidence upon which to base therapy of strictures in children is low and consists mostly of case series from single institutions. Hence most of the information is extrapolated from the adult literature. A consensus committee of the Societe Internationale d'Urologie reviewed the literature, and the committee report (which is as yet unpublished) provides the basis for most of the information herein. Because there is relatively little information published on this subject, there is a need for prospective studies and multi-institutional series. Additionally, there is a need for basic studies of urethral wound healing to provide a better understanding of the problem.

Etiology and outcome of the perineal repair of posterior and bulbar urethral strictures in children: A single surgeon experience

ObjectiveTo evaluate the etiology of posterior and/or bulbar strictures in children in an industrialized country and assess the outcome of its repair by perineal approach. Urethral strictures in children are rare and often challenging to treat. Trauma is the main etiology in developing countries. However, data for industrialized countries are sparse. Material and methodsRetrospective analysis of 17 patients treated with perineal urethroplasty 2001–2010. Data were assessed by chart review and non-validated standardized questionnaire. Hypospadias cases were excluded. Reconstruction was performed by stricture excision and primary anastomosis, or a single-staged or two-staged buccal mucosa graft. ResultsMean age at surgery was 7.9 years (range 1–13) and mean follow-up was 42.6 months (4–115). Eight patients (47.1%) had post-traumatic strictures, five (29.4%) had a history of posterior valves, and previous transurethral catheterization and irradiation each accounted for one patient (5.9%). In the remaining two (11.8%), the etiology was unknown. The success rate was 88.9%. All but one patient were continent postoperatively. ConclusionsMost common etiology for open urethral reconstruction in children was trauma and previous valve treatment. In our hands the perineal approach for stricture repair is safe and successful. Stricture recurrence rate is low, and incontinence is only associated with additional bladder neck trauma.

What is the Optimal Surgical Strategy for Bulbous Urethral Stricture in Boys?

Optimal management for bulbous urethral stricture in children is poorly defined. We compared our long-term experience with direct vision internal urethrotomy and open repair to define the optimal surgical strategy. We reviewed the records of 63 patients who underwent direct vision internal urethrotomy or open repair. A total of 46 patients (73%) were treated with 1 or more urethrotomies. Of the patients 17 (27%) underwent urethroplasty, 13 underwent end-to-end repair and 4 received a patch graft or tube. Eight of 17 cases required urethroplasty only, whereas in 9 combined open repair and urethrotomy were done. Mean patient age was 14.1 years (range 5 months to 21 years). Followup included voiding cystourethrogram, retrograde urethrogram and/or cystoscopy, or flow rate. Mean followup was 30 months for urethrotomy and 16 months for open urethroplasty. When direct vision internal urethrotomy was the initial approach, 1 procedure was successful in 28 of 53 cases (53%). Multiple urethrotomies increased the success rate to 59% (43 of 73 cases). The 53 patients with urethrotomy required a total of 84 procedures (mean 1.6 each). When open repair was the initial approach, 1 procedure was successful in 8 of 10 cases (80%). A total of 12 procedures (mean 1.2 each) were required in those 10 cases. A combined urethrotomy/open approach with 2 procedures was successful in 78% of cases (7 of 9). Open reconstruction is more successful than direct vision internal urethrotomy as the initial approach to bulbous urethral strictures. Although aggressive, end-to-end repair usually provides a definitive solution. Initial direct vision internal urethrotomy is successful in half of the cases and repeat urethrotomy adds little to success. The success of the combined urethrotomy/open approach approximates that of initial open reconstruction. If initial direct vision internal urethrotomy is elected, we advocate only 1 attempt, followed by open end-to-end urethroplasty if necessary.

Commentary to “Aetiology and treatment of symptomatic idiopathic urethral strictures in children”

Commentary to “Aetiology and treatment of symptomatic idiopathic urethral strictures in children”

Surgery For Bulbous Urethral Strictures In Boys - What Is The Optimal Surgical Strategy?

PURPOSE Optimal management of bulbous urethral strictures in children is poorly defined. We compared our long-term experience with direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) and open repair with the objective of defining optimal surgical strategy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty-three patients who had undergone DVIU or open repair were reviewed. Forty-six (73%) were treated with one or more DVIU's. Seventeen (27%) had urethroplasty, 13 end to end and 4 patch graft or tube. Eight of the 17 required urethroplasty only, whereas 9 had a combined approach of open and DVIU. Mean patient age was 14.1 years (range: 5 months to 21 years). Follow-up assessment entailed either VCUG, RUG, cystoscopy or flow rate or a combination. Mean follow-up was 30 months for those undergoing DVIU and 16 months for those having open urethroplasty. RESULTS When DVIU was the initial approach, one procedure was successful in 53% (28/53). Multiple DVIU's increased the success rate to 59% (43/73). Patients undergoing an initial DVIU required a mean of 1.6 procedures (84/53). When open repair was the initial approach one procedure was successful in 80% (8/10). This group required a mean of 1.2 procedures (12/10). A combined (DVIU/open) approach was successful in 78% (7/9). CONCLUSIONS Open reconstruction is more successful than DVIU as an initial approach to bulbous urethral strictures. Initial DVIU is successful in half. Repeat DVIU's add little to success. Success with a combined approach (DVIU/open) approximates that of initial open reconstruction. We advocate only one initial attempt DVIU followed by open urethroplasty, if necessary.

Aetiology and treatment of symptomatic idiopathic urethral strictures in children

To report the presentation and treatment outcomes on a series of 12 paediatric bulbar or posterior urethral strictures that were possibly congenital in origin, identified in a 9-year period. A retrospective case-note review of all cases of urethral strictures thought to be congenital in origin, prospectively collected into the departmental database. The age at presentation had a bimodal distribution with 6/12 presenting in the first year of life of which four had antenatal hydronephrosis and 5/12 presenting after the age of 11 years. All six patients under 1-year old had a successful outcome following urethrotomy and urethral dilatation. Four of five over 11 years of age ultimately required an urethroplasty and one 3-year-old may well require an urethroplasty in the future. This outcome, in conjunction with the bimodal age distribution at presentation, would suggest a different aetiology in older children, and we would urge caution in classifying strictures in ambulant children as genuinely congenital, as this population may represent the long-term manifestation of unrecorded bulbar urethral trauma or asymptomatic inflammation. Optical urethrotomy or dilatation is durable when treated in infancy, but older patients do not experience prolonged resolution and we would recommend treatment along adult lines for these.

Posttraumatic Posterior Urethral Strictures in Children—Management and Intermediate-term Follow-up in Tertiary Care Center

To evaluate the management and intermediate-term follow-up of posttraumatic posterior urethral strictures in children. From March 2000 to November 2006, the surgical records of 28 children (< or = 18 years) who had been admitted for treatment of posttraumatic posterior urethral strictures were retrospectively reviewed. The patients had been followed up for a median of 36 months (range 3-58). The cause of trauma, extent of urinary tract injury, radiologic examination findings, previous treatment, and its effect on the final outcome, treatment complications,, and failures were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 12.1 years (range 5-18) at the injury. The estimated radiographic mean stricture length before surgery was 3.41 cm (range 2-6). Of the 28 patients, 27 were treated with transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty, with a success rate of 75%. All treatment failures were at the anastomotic site and occurred within the first year of anastomotic urethroplasty. The failed repairs (7 cases) were successfully managed endoscopically in 4 patients and by redo urethroplasty in 3, for a final success rate of 100%. Of the 28 patients, 15 (80%) with urethral manipulation before anastomotic urethroplasty had a satisfactory result compared with 69.3% of patients without previous surgical treatment. The difference was not statistically significant. Most posttraumatic posterior urethral strictures in children can be managed through the perineal route. The transpubic approach should be reserved for more complex posterior strictures. Previous urethral manipulations did not affect the intermediate-term results of anastomotic urethroplasty.