Bladder neck contractures and the prostate cancer survivor.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the cause and diagnostic and treatment concerns for bladder neck contractures (BNCs) in the prostate cancer survivor.

RECENT FINDINGS: BNC rates have decreased significantly in the last 2 decades, likely because of improvement in the surgical technique and increased utilization of laparoscopic and robotic surgery, which may allow better visualization of the vesicourethral anastomosis. Despite these improvements, risk factors such as smoking and coronary artery disease contribute to BNC development. Furthermore, although recent reports have questioned the classical tenets of anastomotic technique such as water-tight anastomoses, there is no evidence that these principles contribute to the risk of BNC development and should continue to be observed. The results of minimally invasive procedures such as urethral dilation and transurethral incision of the bladder neck may be improved with the use of injectable agents.

SUMMARY: There is little consensus regarding BNC therapy. Although several risk factors contributing to BNC development have been identified, strategies to reduce the risk are unclear. A number of therapeutic options are available, however. In the event of BNC development, treatment should be structured in a hierarchical fashion which minimizes the risk of urinary incontinence.