Endoscopic evaluation and treatment of anastomotic strictures after radical retropubic prostatectomy.
OBJECTIVE
We describe endoscopic findings and treatment outcome in 17 men who presented with a symptomatic anastomotic stricture after radical prostatectomy.


METHODS
Endoscopic evaluation revealed an immature stricture in 6 men, which was treated by initial dilation and subsequent cold-knife urethrotomy. The 11 men with a mature anastomotic stricture were treated by initial cold-knife urethrotomy (10) or dilation followed by urethrotomy (1).


RESULTS
There were no long-term complications from treatment, which was successful in 15 of the 17 men (88%).


CONCLUSIONS
Initial dilation with subsequent urethrotomy for immature or initial urethrotomy for mature anastomotic strictures is a safe and effective treatment plan.
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D000465:Algorithms; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D004106:Dilatation; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014521:Urethra / Q000601:surgery; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization