title: Prevention of stricture recurrence following urethral internal urethrotomy: routine repeated dilations or active surveillance?
abstract: Strictures of the urethra are the most common cause of obstructed micturition in younger men and there is frequent recurrence after initial treatment. Currently, routine repeated dilations, including intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) are prescribed by urologists to prevent urethral stricture recurrence. There is, however, no high level evidence available supporting the effectiveness of practicing these painful techniques. Balancing efficacy, adverse effects and costs, we hypothesize that active surveillance is a better option for preventing stricture recurrence as compared with routine repeated dilations. However, well designed, adequately powered multi-center trials with comprehensive evaluation are urgently needed to confirm our hypothesis.&nbsp.
authors: Department of Urology Surgery, Guizhou Provincial Hospital, Guiyang, P.R. China.
authors: Ye
authors: Y
authors: Tian
authors: Field Hospital, Mari Petroleum Company Limited, Daharki, District Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan.
authors: Romel
authors: R
authors: Wazir
authors: Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P.R. China.
authors: Jianzhong
authors: J
authors: Wang
authors: Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China..wangkj@scu.edu.cn.
authors: Kunjie
authors: K
authors: Wang
authors: Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.
authors: Hong
authors: H
authors: Li
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012008:Recurrence; D019233:Retreatment; D014521:Urethra / Q000601:surgery*; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male; D057832:Watchful Waiting