Anastomotic Urethroplasty for Posttraumatic Urethral Stricture: Previous Urethral Manipulation Has a Negative Impact on the Final Outcome

PurposeWe evaluated the long-term results of anastomotic urethroplasty for posttraumatic urethral stricture and assessed the impact of previous endourethral/surgical intervention on the subsequent outcome.Materials and MethodsFrom January 1988 to April 2005, 51 patients underwent anastomotic urethroplasty for posttraumatic urethral stricture following pelvic fracture (41) or perineal blunt trauma (10). Of these patients 28 (55%) underwent previous surgical procedures, including endoscopic urethrotomy with endoscopic realignment in 20 and open urethroplasty in 8. Median followup was 4.6 years. Results were evaluated. Success was characterized by a maximum urine flow of more than 15 ml per second, sterile urine, and normal urethral imaging and/or endoscopy. A satisfactory result was considered to be 1 episode of recurrence diagnosed on routine imaging/endoscopy that was successfully managed by 1 or 2 direct vision internal urethrotomies. Failure was characterized by the necessity for repeat instrumental and/or open surgery. Results were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log rank test.ResultsAt 1, 5 and 10 years overall success rates were 63%, 55% and 43%, while satisfactory result rates were 84%, 80% and 76%, respectively. However, the 23 patients without urethral manipulation before anastomotic urethroplasty had a satisfactory result of more than 90% vs more than 60% in patients with previous surgical treatment. These results were maintained for 100 months (p <0.05).ConclusionsEndoscopic and/or open urethral manipulation before anastomotic urethroplasty for posttraumatic urethral stricture has a significant impact on the outcome of urethral reconstruction. Cases of posttraumatic urethral stricture should preferably be referred to a center of expertise.