The use of suprapubic cystoscopy in perineal urethroplasty.

OBJECTIVE

Posterior urethral strictures are difficult cases to treat for urologists. Anastomotic open urethroplasty is the major surgical treatment option, and various modifications/manipulations to the procedure have been recommended in the literature. We aimed to assess the advantages of performing antegrade endoscopy through the suprapubic cystostomy tract during perineal urethroplasty.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-six perineal urethroplasties combined with suprapubic cystoscopy were performed in 33 adult male patients between 2005 and 2011. Pre-and peri-operative records of the patients were evaluated, with a particular focus on suprapubic cystoscopy findings during urethroplasty.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 41 years, and the mean lesion length was 2.6 cm (range 1-10 cm). Lesions were secondary to pelvic trauma in 21 patients, to a history of prostatic surgery in 8 patients, and to other miscellaneous causes in the 4 remaining patients. In 23 cases with normal bladder necks, the anastomosis was created under the guidance of antegrade cystoscopy with fluoroscopy. In 10 cases, stiff guide wires or paddles were used in addition to endoscopic light to identify the correct anastomosis site. In two procedures, fistula openings were identified during endoscopy, and fistula repair was performed along with anastomosis. In one case involving the longest lesion with involvement of the bladder neck, a combined perineal-transpubic urethroplasty was performed. The mean follow up duration was 19 (3-38) months. The overall success rate was 91%, and the re-operation rate was 9%.

CONCLUSION

Suprapubic cystoscopy is an easy-to-perform adjunctive modality in perineal urethroplasty. This method provides the benefits of supplementary endoscopic findings and feasibility of certain maneuvers that facilitate debridement and anastomosis formation concurrent with perineal urethroplasty.