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).


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Besarani
Dler
D
The London Clinic, London, UK. dler@doctors.org.uk
Amoroso
Peter
P
Kirby
Roger
R
D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014521:Urethra / Q000601:surgery*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000601:surgery*; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology