Ultrasound imaging of male urethral stricture disease: a narrative review of the available evidence, focusing on selected prospective studies.

PURPOSE: To synthetize the current scientific knowledge on the use of ultrasound of the male urethra for evaluation of urethral stricture disease. This review aims to provide a detailed description of the technical aspects of ultrasonography, and provides some indications on clinical applications of it, based on the evidence available from the selected prospective studies. Advantages and limitations of the technique are also provided. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Medline and Cochrane databases on October 2022. The articles were searched using the keywords "sonourethrography", "urethral ultrasound", "urethral stricture" and "SUG". Only human studies and articles in English were included. Articles were screened by two reviewers (M.F. and K.M.). RESULTS: Our literature search reporting on the role of sonourethrography in evaluating urethral strictures resulted in selection of 17 studies, all prospective, even if of limited quality due to the small patients' number (varied from 28 to 113). Nine studies included patients with urethral stricture located in anterior urethra and eight studies included patients regardless of the stricture location. Final analysis was based on selected prospective studies, whose power was limited by the small patients' groups. CONCLUSION: Sonourethrography is a cost-effective and safe technique allowing for a dynamic and three-dimensional urethra assessment. Yet, because of its limited value in detecting posterior urethral strictures, the standard urethrography should remain the basic 'road-map' prior to surgery. It is an operator-dependent technique, which can provide detailed information on the length, location, and extent of spongiofibrosis without risks of exposure to ionizing radiation.

Is a Course of Intermittent Self-dilatation with Topical Corticosteroids Superior at Stabilising Urethral Stricture Disease in Men and Improving Functional Outcomes over a Course of Intermittent Self-dilatation Alone? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context: Intermittent self-dilatation (ISD) is a therapeutic strategy used to stabilise a urethral stricture and postpone or avoid further treatment. Adding corticosteroids to this mode of management might further enhance its outcomes by downregulation of collagen deposition and excessive scar tissue formation. Objective: To explore whether a course of ISD with topical corticosteroids is superior at stabilising urethral stricture disease in men and improving functional outcomes over a course of ISD alone. Evidence acquisition: This systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken by the European Association of Urology Urethral Strictures Guideline Panel according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (CRD42021256744). The primary benefit outcome was successful stabilisation of the urethral stricture. Treatment-related complications were the primary harm outcome. Evidence synthesis: In total, 978 records were screened for eligibility, ultimately leading to five included studies, all randomised controlled trials, comprising 250 patients, of whom 124 underwent a course of ISD with corticosteroids and 126 underwent a course of ISD alone, all after direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU). Successful stabilisation of the stricture was achieved in 77% and 64% of patients in the group with and without corticosteroids, respectively (p = 0.04). No extra complications related to the addition of corticosteroids to the ISD regimen were reported. The risk of bias of the included studies was generally unclear to high. Conclusions: Based on the currently available data, a course of ISD with topical corticosteroids appears to be safe and superior at stabilising a urethral stricture after DVIU in the short term to a course of ISD alone. However, given the unclear to high risk of bias in the included studies, further high-quality studies are needed to fully underpin this. Patient summary: This study shows that addition of topical corticosteroids to intermittent self-dilatation after direct vision internal urethrotomy can better stabilise the stricture in the short term.

Treatment Success After Urethroplasty: The Ongoing Quest for a Pragmatic and Universal Definition.

There is no consensus on the ideal definition of success after urethroplasty, which makes research, quality control, and comparisons challenging. Ongoing research endeavors are focused on achieving consensus regarding the optimal battery of outcomes for evaluation of patients after urethroplasty.

Urethral management after artificial urinary sphincter explantation due to cuff erosion.

Introduction: The artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) is the gold standard treatment in cases of moderate-to-severe stress urinary incontinence in males. Cuff erosions are one of the most important distant complications of AUS implantation. The optimal urethral management has still not been established. Material and methods: Search terms related to 'urethral stricture', 'artificial urinary sphincter', and 'cuff erosion' were used in the PubMed database to identify relevant articles. Results: In this mini review we identified 6 original articles that assessed the urethral management after AUS explantation due to cuff erosion and included urinary diversion by transurethral and/or suprapubic catheterization, urethrorrhaphy, and in situ urethroplasty. We summarized the results of different management methods and their efficacy in terms of preventing urethral stricture formation. We highlight the need for better-quality evidence on this topic. Conclusions: The available data do not provide a clear answer to the question of optimal urethral management during AUS explantation. There is a great need to provide higher-quality evidence on this topic.

Reaching Consensus for Comprehensive Outcome Measurement After Urethral Stricture Surgery: Development of Study Protocol for Stricture-Fecta Criteria.

Urethral stricture disease is a very heterogeneous condition where different urethral segments can be involved as a result of diverse etiologies which come with variable prognosis. The surgical management of urethral strictures, and in particular urethroplasties can result in very diverse outcomes on many levels and, currently, there is absolutely no consensus about what should and what should not be considered a "success" after urethral surgery. In the wake of well-established quality criteria in urologic oncology, such as tri- or pentafecta outcomes, and given the lack of agreement on meaningful outcomes after urethral surgery, we aim to introduce our study protocol as the first step of a multistep research endeavor to reach consensus on comprehensive urethroplasty outcomes within a novel conceptual framework: the "stricture-fecta criteria". The development of stricture-fecta will be based on a Delphi consensus involving some of worldwide most influencing reconstructive urologists.

Contemporary Management of Male Anterior Urethral Strictures by Reconstructive Urology Experts-Results from an International Survey among ESGURS Members.

Assessment of anterior urethral stricture (US) management of European urology experts is relevant to evaluate the quality of care given to the patients and plan future educational interventions. We assessed the practice patterns of the management of adult male anterior US among reconstructive urology experts from European countries. A 23-question online survey was conducted among European Association of Urology Section of Genito-Urinary Reconstructive Surgeons (ESGURS) members. A total of 88 invitations were sent by email at two different times (May and October 2019). Data were prospectively collected from May 2019 to December 2019. The response rate was 55.6%. Most of the responders were between 50 and 59 y.o. and mainly from University Public Teaching/Academic Hospitals. A total of 73.5% treated ≥20 patients/year with US. Retrograde urethrogram (RUG) was the commonest diagnostic tool, followed by uroflowmetry (UF) +/− post-void residual (PVR). Urethroplasty using grafts was the most frequent treatment (91.8%). Of responders, 55.3% performed >20 urethroplasties/year. Anastomotic urethroplasties were performed by 83.7%, skin flap repairs by 61.2%, perineal urethrostomy by 77.6% and non-transecting techniques by 63.3%. UF was the most common follow-up tool. Most of the responders considered urethroplasty as the primary option when indicated. Male anterior US among ESGURS members are treated mainly using urethroplasty graft procedures. RUG is preferred for diagnosis, and UF for follow-up.

POIROT trial: post-operative imaging after urethroplasty with peri-catheter retrograde urethrography or trial of voiding with voiding cysto-urethrography.

PURPOSE: This study directly compares peri-catheter retrograde urethrography (pcRUG) and voiding cysto-urethrography (VCUG) as early postoperative imaging after urethroplasty and aims to assess whether pcRUG is superior at avoiding catheter reinsertion. METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective, interventional study comparing pcRUG and VCUG after urethroplasty in a within-patient fashion. All participants were first evaluated with pcRUG and subsequently with VCUG, unless pcRUG revealed significant contrast extravasation warranting further catheter stay. The primary end-point was to assess whether pcRUG is superior at avoiding catheter reinsertion compared with VCUG. Secondary end-points included the amount of significant contrast extravasations missed on pcRUG and the differences in radiation exposure. RESULTS: 80 patients were included in this study. Median (IQR) interval between surgery and first postoperative imaging was 16 (9-16) days. In 14/80 (18%) patients, the pcRUG showed significant contrast extravasation and catheter reinsertion was avoided, while this percentage is 0 by default for VCUG (p < 0.001). In the other 66/80 (82%) patients, a VCUG was performed and 1/66 (1.5%) of these was considered as significant contrast extravasation. Notably, 9/66 (14%) of these patients could not void during the investigation. Median (IQR) dose of radiation exposure during pcRUG and VCUG was, respectively, 120 (84-161) mGy/cm2 and 241 (169-334) mGy/cm2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After urethroplasty, pcRUG is a valuable alternative for VCUG as early postoperative imaging. It has a comparable diagnostic yield, averts the risk of having to reinsert the catheter, avoids the problem of patients being unable to void during the examination and requires significantly less radiation.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Urethral Stricture Disease Part 3: Management of Strictures in Females and Transgender Patients.

CONTEXT: Urethral stricture management guidelines are an important tool for guiding evidence-based clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2021 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on management of urethral strictures in females and transgender patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The panel performed a literature review on these topics covering a time frame between 2008 and 2018 and used predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for study selection. Key papers beyond this time period could be included as per panel consensus. A strength rating for each recommendation was added based on the review of the available literature and after panel discussion. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Management of urethral strictures in females and transgender patients has been described in a few case series in the literature. Endoluminal treatments can be used for short, nonobliterative strictures in the first line. Repetitive endoluminal treatments are not curative. Urethroplasty encompasses a multitude of techniques and adaptation of the technique to the local conditions of the stricture is crucial to obtain durable patency rates. CONCLUSIONS: Management of urethral strictures in females and transgender patients is complex and a multitude of techniques are available. Selection of the appropriate technique is crucial and these guidelines provide relevant recommendations. PATIENT SUMMARY: Although different techniques are available to manage narrowing of the urethra (called a stricture), not every technique is appropriate for every type of stricture. These guidelines, developed on the basis of an extensive literature review, aim to guide physicians in selecting the appropriate technique(s) to treat a specific type of urethral stricture in females and transgender patients. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Although different techniques are available to manage urethral strictures, not every technique is appropriate for every type of stricture. Management of urethral strictures in females and transgender patients is complex and a multitude of techniques are available. Selection of the appropriate technique is crucial and these guidelines provide relevant recommendations.

Multicentre, prospective study on local treatment of metastatic prostate cancer (LoMP study).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of cytoreductive radical prostatectomy in addition to standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicentre, prospective study included asymptomatic patients from 2014 to 2018 (NCT02138721). Cytoreductive radical prostatectomy was offered to all fit patients with resectable tumours, resulting in 40 patients. Standard of care was administered to 40 patients who were ineligible or unwilling to undergo surgery. The primary endpoint was castration resistant cancer-free survival at the time point of ≥50% events. The secondary endpoint was local event-free survival. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses with propensity-score analysis were applied. RESULTS: After a median (quartiles) follow-up of 35 (24-47) months, 42 patients became castration-resistant or died. The median castration resistant cancer-free survival was 53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 14-92) vs 21 (95% CI 15-27) months for cytoreductive radical prostatectomy compared to standard of care (P = 0.017). The 3-year estimates for local event-free survival were 83% (95% CI 71-95) vs 59% (95% CI 51-67) for cytoreductive radical prostatectomy compared to standard of care (P = 0.012). However, treatment group showed no significance in the multivariable models for castration resistant cancer-free survival (P = 0.5) or local event-free survival (P = 0.3), adjusted for propensity-score analysis. Complications were similar to the non-metastatic setting. Patients undergoing surgery were younger, with lower baseline prostate-specific antigen levels, alkaline phosphatase levels and metastatic burden. CONCLUSION: The present LoMP study was unable to show a difference between the two inclusion groups regarding castration resistant cancer-free survival for asymptomatic patients with newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer. These results validate previous evidence that, in well-selected and informed patients, cytoreductive radical prostatectomy is feasible and safe, with corresponding continence rates compared to the non-metastatic, high-risk setting. Whether cytoreductive radical prostatectomy could be a valuable option to achieve good local palliation needs to be further researched. Overall, the role of cytoreductive radical prostatectomy needs to be further explored in randomized studies to correct for potential bias.

What is the role of single-stage oral mucosa graft urethroplasty in the surgical management of lichen sclerosus-related stricture disease in men? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: The benefits and harms of the available types of surgical management for lichen sclerosus-related (LS) strictures remain unclear and, thus, clear and robust clinical practice recommendations cannot be given. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess the role of single-stage OMGU in the management of LS strictures and explore how its benefits and harms compare with the alternative management options. Medline, Embase and Cochrane controlled trial databases (CENTRAL, CDSR) were systematically searched. Randomized (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies (NRCSs) comparing single-stage OMGU with other surgical management options for LS strictures and single-arm studies on single-stage OMGU were included. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed. RESULTS: Of the 1912 abstracts identified, 15 studies (1 NRCS and 14 single-arm studies) were included, recruiting in total 649 patients. All studies were at high RoB. In the only NRCS available, stricture-free rate (SFR) for single-stage and staged OMGU was 88% vs 60%, respectively (p = 0.05), at a mean follow-up of 66.5 months. SFR range for single-stage OMGU in single-arm studies was 65-100% (mean/median follow-up, 12-59 months). Single-stage OMGU had low complication rates and beneficial impact on LUTS and QoL. CONCLUSIONS: The present SR highlights the methodological limitations of the available literature. In the absence of adverse local tissue conditions, and taking into consideration benefit-harm balance and surgeon's skills and expertise, single-stage OMGU can be justified in patients with LS strictures.

Treatment of Urethral Strictures in Transmasculine Patients.

BACKGROUND: Urethral strictures are a common complication after genital gender-affirming surgery (GGAS) in transmasculine patients. Studies that specifically focus on the management of urethral strictures are scarce. The aim of this systematic review is to collect all available evidence on the management of urethral strictures in transmasculine patients who underwent urethral lengthening. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the management of urethral strictures in transmasculine patients after phalloplasty or metoidioplasty (PROSPERO, CRD42021215811) with literature from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis-(PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and risk of bias was assessed for every individual study using the 5-criterion quality appraisal checklist. RESULTS: Eight case series were included with a total of 179 transmasculine patients. Only one study discussed the management of urethral strictures after metoidioplasty. Urethral strictures were most often seen at the anastomosis between the fixed and pendulous urethra. For each stricture location, different techniques have been reported. All studies were at a high risk of bias. The current evidence is insufficient to favor one technique over another. CONCLUSIONS: Different techniques have been described for the different clinical scenarios of urethral stricture disease after GGAS. In the absence of comparative studies, however, it is impossible to advocate for one technique over another. This calls for additional research, ideally well-designed prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs), focusing on both surgical and functional outcome parameters.

Female Urethroplasty: Outcomes of Different Techniques in a Single Center.

INTRODUCTION: Female urethral strictures and injuries are relatively uncommon compared to males. A wide range of possible causes and treatment modalities have been described. Lately female urethral reconstruction is gaining attention and is fortunately no longer a neglected topic within the reconstructive urology. As such, we aimed to describe our surgical techniques and outcomes for female urethroplasty from a tertiary center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of female patients who underwent a urethroplasty between July 2018 and May 2021 in our tertiary referral center were reviewed. Patients were subdivided in two groups: patients who suffered from a urethral injury and received an early repair urethroplasty, and patients with a true urethral stricture who received a delayed urethroplasty. Preprocedural, surgical and postoperative data were collected and analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of five patients in group 1 and nine patients in group 2 were included. Etiology of the urethral injury in group 1 was iatrogenic in 80% and transitional cell carcinoma of the urethra in 20% of cases. A patency rate of 100% at a follow-up of 30 months was achieved with the different techniques. In group 2 etiology was idiopathic (44%), iatrogenic (44%) and due to external trauma in 12% of cases. Urethroplasty technique consisted of primary repair or dorsal onlay of a buccal mucosal graft. Patency rate was 100% at a median follow-up of 13 months. Three patients suffered from postoperative urinary incontinence, one in group 1 and two in group 2. CONCLUSION: Female urethroplasty is a relatively rare entity within reconstructive urethral surgery. This case series of 14 patients demonstrates that with appropriate surgical techniques, a high patency rate with a low complication rate can be achieved. Further prospective studies with standardized diagnostic workup and follow-up should be performed in order to optimize management strategy.

The Role of Cytoreductive Radical Prostatectomy in the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Low-volume Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Results from the Local Treatment of Metastatic Prostate Cancer (LoMP) Registry.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy to the prostate (RTp) prolongs survival for patients with low-volume, newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer (ndmPC). OBJECTIVE: to evaluate whether cytoreductive radical prostatectomy (cRP) is equally beneficial as RTp in low-volume ndmPC. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A multicenter prospective registry was established in 2014 to observe patients with ndmPC. Eligible patients were offered cRP or RTp. For this study we selected only patients with low-volume ndmPC (n = 109). Of these, 48, 26, and 35 patients underwent cRP, RTp, and no local therapy (NLT), respectively. Median follow-up was 32 mo (interquartile range 16-49). INTERVENTION: cRP was compared with RTp and NLT. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and local event-free survival (LEFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors prognostic for OS were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The 2-yr OS was 93%, 100%, and 69%, and 2-yr CSS was 93%, 100%, and 75% for cRP, RTp, and NLT, respectively. The cRP and RTp groups had better OS compared to NLT and there was no significant difference between cRP and RTp. The 2-yr LEFS was 92%, 77%, and 60% for cRP, RTp, and NLT, respectively. The cRP group had better LEFS compared to RTp and NLT, and there was no significant difference between RTp and NLT. Advanced tumor stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2, and NLT were negative prognostic factors for OS. The main limitation is selection of fitter patients with less advanced tumors for cRP and the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: For selected patients with low-volume ndmPC, cRP is able to achieve similar OS and CSS to RTp. cRP is effective in preventing local events due to disease progression. PATIENT SUMMARY: Patients with a low volume of newly diagnosed prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland might benefit from removal of the prostate, which we found was as effective as radiotherapy to the prostate in prolonging survival. Removal of the prostate is effective in preventing urinary problems caused by cancer progression.

Urethral Complications After Metoidioplasty for Genital Gender Affirming Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Possible options of genital gender affirming surgery in transmasculine are metoidioplasty or phalloplasty. As opposed to phalloplasty, no flapbased neophallic reconstruction is needed in metoidioplasty. Urethral lengthening is needed in metoidioplasty if the patient desires voiding at the tip of the neophallus. This urethral lengthening poses the patient at risk for urethral complications. AIM: Our primary goal was to describe the morbidity and specific the urethral complications related to metoidioplasty. Second, we sought for predictors of these urethral complications. METHODS: Our institutional database was retrospectively analyzed to identify transmasculine who underwent metoidioplasty between 2006 and 2020. This cohort was further evaluated for surgical morbidity, urethral complications and potential predictors for urethral complications. OUTCOMES: The rate of surgical morbidity and urethral complications (temporary/permanent fistula, stricture or fistula and stricture) was calculated. Potential predictors evaluated herein were BMI, concomitant vaginectomy, active smoking and additional urethral lengthening (AUL). They were tested with logistic regression analysis with calculation of Odds Ratio (OR). RESULTS: Seventy-four patients underwent metoidioplasty with a median follow-up of 44 months. Median age was 26 years. AUL was done in 36 (48.6%) patients and established by a transverse preputial skin island and labium minus flap in respectively 34 and 2 patients. Within 30 days after metoidioplasty, 3 (4.1%) high-grade complications were noted. Urethral complications of any kind were noted in 42 (56.8%) patients. All fistulas, permanent fistulas and strictures were seen in resp. 34 (45.9%), 27 (36.5%) and 14 (18.9%) patients. AUL is a significant predictor for all urethral complications (OR 15.5), strictures (OR 24.5), all fistula's (OR 6.07) and permanent fistulas (OR 3.83). In contrast, smoking is only a predictor for all fistulas (OR 6.54) and permanent fistulas (OR 3.76). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Obtaining information about the risk of complications is important in preoperative patient counselling. Patient who desires AUL are at higher risk to develop urethral complications and patients who continue to smoke at the period of metoidioplasty have a higher risk of fistula formation. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: Sufficient events to calculate predictors for urethral complications. However, this is a retrospective study with still a small number of patients with a relative short follow-up. CONCLUSION: Urethral complications are frequent after metoidioplasty and approximately 50% needs corrective surgery. AUL is an independent risk factor for fistula and stricture formation, whereas smoking is a risk factor for fistula formation. Waterschoot M, Hoebeke P, Verla W, et al. Urethral Complications After Metoidioplasty for Genital Gender Affirming Surgery. J Sex Med 2021;18:1271-1279.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Urethral Stricture Disease (Part 1): Management of Male Urethral Stricture Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2021 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on management of male urethral stricture disease. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The panel performed a literature review on these topics covering a time frame between 2008 and 2018, and used predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for the literature to be selected. Key papers beyond this time period could be included as per panel consensus. A strength rating for each recommendation was added based on a review of the available literature and after panel discussion. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Management of male urethral strictures has extensively been described in literature. Nevertheless, few well-designed studies providing high level of evidence are available. In well-resourced countries, iatrogenic injury to the urethra is one of the most common causes of strictures. Asymptomatic strictures do not always need active treatment. Endoluminal treatments can be used for short, nonobliterative strictures at the bulbar and posterior urethra as first-line treatment. Repetitive endoluminal treatments are not curative. Urethroplasty encompasses a multitude of techniques, and adaptation of the technique to the local conditions of the stricture is crucial to obtain durable patency rates. CONCLUSIONS: Management of male urethral strictures is complex, and a multitude of techniques are available. Selection of the appropriate technique is crucial, and these guidelines provide relevant recommendations. PATIENT SUMMARY: Injury to the urethra by medical interventions is one of the most common reasons of male urethral stricture disease in well-resourced countries. Although different techniques are available to manage urethral strictures, not every technique is appropriate for every type of stricture. These guidelines, developed based on an extensive literature review, aim to guide physicians in the selection of the appropriate technique(s) to treat a specific type of urethral stricture.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Urethral Stricture Disease (Part 2): Diagnosis, Perioperative Management, and Follow-up in Males.

CONTEXT: Urethral stricture management guidelines are an important tool for guiding evidence-based clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2021 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on diagnosis, classification, perioperative management, and follow-up of male urethral stricture disease. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The panel performed a literature review on the topics covering a time frame between 2008 and 2018, and using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for the literature. Key papers beyond this time period could be included if panel consensus was reached. A strength rating for each recommendation was added based on a review of the available literature after panel discussion. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Routine diagnostic evaluation encompasses history, patient-reported outcome measures, examination, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual measurement, endoscopy, and urethrography. Ancillary techniques that provide a three-dimensional assessment and may demonstrate associated abnormalities include sonourethrography and magnetic resonance urethrogram, although these are not utilised routinely. The classification of strictures should include stricture location and calibre. Urethral rest after urethral manipulations is advised prior to offering urethroplasty. An assessment for urinary extravasation after urethroplasty is beneficial before catheter removal. The optimal time of catheterisation after urethrotomy is <72 h, but is unclear following urethroplasty and depends on various factors. Patients undergoing urethroplasty should be followed up for at least 1 yr. Objective and subjective outcomes should be assessed after urethral surgeries, including patient satisfaction and sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate diagnosis and categorisation is important in determining management. Adequate perioperative care and follow-up is essential for achieving successful outcomes. The EAU guidelines provide relevant evidence-based recommendations to optimise patient work-up and follow-up. PATIENT SUMMARY: Urethral strictures have to be assessed adequately before planning treatment. Before surgery, urethral rest and infection prevention are advised. After urethral surgery, x-ray dye tests are advised before removing catheters to ensure that healing has occurred. Routine follow-up is required, including patient-reported outcomes. These guidelines aim to guide doctors in the diagnosis, care, and follow-up of patients with urethral stricture.

Update on the management of complex strictures of the bulbar urethra.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review summarizes the most relevant literature published in 2019-2020 regarding urethroplasty for bulbar strictures. RECENT FINDINGS: We identified relevant papers focussing on new insights in the field of excision and primary anastomosis, graft augmentation urethroplasty and perineostomy for bulbar strictures and bulbomembranous strictures after radiotherapy or surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. SUMMARY: Respecting the vascularity of the anterior urethra and maintaining the integrity of surrounding structures during bulbar urethroplasty does not appear to deteriorate surgical outcomes and might be associated with improved functional outcomes.