Anastomotic stricture after radical prostatectomy. Incidence, findings and treatment.

OBJECTIVES

Stricture of the vesico-urethral anastomosis is a well-known complication after radical prostatectomy. Dilatation, stricture incision or resection have been proposed for endoscopic treatment.

METHODS

In a retrospective study of 340 patients with prostatic cancer who underwent a radical retropubic prostatectomy from 1988 until 1996, we looked at the incidence of anastomotic strictures.

RESULTS

An anastomotic stricture was found in 24 cases (7%) requiring endoscopic treatment. Based on prospective X-ray studies, we were able to show that the site of stricture is located below the bladder neck musculature in most cases well above the distal urethral sphincter and pelvic floor. No continence problems were encountered following structure resection in a follow-up of 12-72 months determined by a questionnaire and pad test.

CONCLUSION

The transurethral resection of anastomotic stricture allows for a rather generous tissue resection, which is preferable to incision or dilatation in our hands.