A urethral stricture is a scar of the urethral epithelium which can cause obstructive voiding dysfunction with consequential damage of the upper urinary tract. Almost 45% of all strictures are iatrogenic; they develop in 2-9% of patients after radical prostatectomy, but can also occur after prostate cancer radiotherapy. This study provides 5‑year data of a certified prostate cancer center (PKZ) in terms of urethral strictures.
Between 01/2008 and 12/2012 a total of 519 men were irradiated for prostate cancer (LDR and HDR brachytherapy as well as external beam radiation). The entire cohort was followed-up prospectively according to a standardized protocol (by type of irradiation). Short segment urethral strictures were treated by urethrotomy, recurrent and long segment stenosis with buccal mucosa urethroplasty.
A total of 18 of 519 (3.4%) patients developed a urethral stricture post-therapeutically, which recurred in 66% of cases after the first operative treatment. The largest risk for developing a urethral stricture is attributed to the HDR brachytherapy (8.9%).
Urethral strictures after prostate cancer radiotherapy should be diagnosed and treated in time for long-term preservation of renal function. The rate of radiogenic urethral strictures (3.4%) is equivalent to those after radical prostatectomy. Due to a high rate of recurrences, urethrotomy has a limited importance after irradiation.
Der Urologe. Ausg. A. 2017 Jan 19 [Epub ahead of print]
J Kranz, G Maurer, U Maurer, O Deserno, S Schulte, J Steffens
Klinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, St.-Antonius Hospital, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der RWTH Aachen, Dechant-Deckers-Straße 8, 52249, Eschweiler, Deutschland. ., Eschweiler (Med 360 Grad Gruppe), Strahlentherapie 360 Grad, Eschweiler, Deutschland., Klinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, St.-Antonius Hospital, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der RWTH Aachen, Dechant-Deckers-Straße 8, 52249, Eschweiler, Deutschland.