title: Recurrent urethrovesical anastomotic strictures following artificial urinary sphincter implantation: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The management of an anastomotic stricture after a radical prostatectomy can become a complex and difficult situation when an artificial urinary sphincter precedes the formation of the stricture. The urethral narrowing does not allow the passage of the routinely used urological instruments and no previous reports have suggested alternate approaches.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present the case of a 68-year-old Greek man diagnosed as having a recurrent anastomotic stricture approximately two years after a radical prostatectomy and three years after the implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter, and propose novel alternate methods of treatment. Our patient was first subjected to stricture incision with the use of a rigid ureteroscope with a holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser fiber, which was followed by a second successful attempt with the use of a pediatric resectoscope. After a one-year follow-up, our patient is doing well, with no evidence of recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the management of recurrent urethral strictures following an artificial urinary sphincter implantation. Minimal invasive techniques with the use of small caliber instruments may offer efficient treatment options, diminishing the danger of urethral corrosion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Athens University Medical School-LAIKO Hospital, Athens, Greece. statyr@freemail.gr.
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Adamakis
authors.forename: Stavros I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Tyritzis
authors.forename: Ioanna
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vasileiou
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Katafigiotis
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Leotsakos
authors.forename: Sotiria
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fergadaki
authors.forename: Konstantinos G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Stravodimos
authors.forename: Constantinos A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Constantinides