Bladder neck contracture after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the incidence, management and outcome of vesico-urethral anastomotic strictures after bladder-neck sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We assessed the incidence, management and outcome of anastomotic strictures in 510 consecutive patients (mean age 61 years, range 45-76) who had open RRP by one surgeon between 1994 and 2003.

RESULTS

The mean (range) follow-up was 30 (2-89) months; 48 patients (9.4%) developed an anastomotic stricture. Dilatation of the stricture was an effective treatment, with few patients requiring further treatment.

CONCLUSION

Stricture of the vesico-urethral anastomosis after bladder-neck sparing RRP is relatively frequent but can usually be successfully managed with one graduated dilatation under light sedation.