Modified Primary Urethral Realignment Under Flexible Urethroscope.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical significance of flexible endoscopic realignment in the treatment of posterior urethral disruption in comparison to the traditional open realignment method.

METHODS

A total of 58 patients suffering posterior urethral disruption were enrolled into the current study from January 2003 to May 2009. Of them, 23 patients (Group A) were treated with modified technique of urethral realignment under flexible urethroscopy and 35 patients (Group B) received conventional open realignment.

RESULTS

Either procedure was successfully performed in both groups. However, the operation time was significantly shorter in Group A (29.1 ± 9.5 min) than that in Group B (58.1 ± 11.2 min, p < 0.001). Also, patients in Group A had a significantly decreased incidence of stricture (4 of 23 cases in Group A versus 15 of 35 cases in Group B, p = 0.043) and formation of false urethra (0 of 23 cases in Group A versus 7 of 35 cases in Group B, p = 0.035). Prevalence of secondary urethroplasty was less in Group A (1/23) compared to Group B (8/35), but there was no statistical difference (p = 0.057). In addition, there was no significant difference in morbidity of urinary infection, incidence of incontinence, and impotence between the two groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared to the traditional open realignment, the new technique of urethral realignment under flexible endoscope has the advantage of short operation time, minimally invasive and less complications.