Bipolar transurethral resection of anastomotic strictures after radical prostatectomy

The efficacy of the bipolar endoscopic resection for anastomotic stricture was assessed and compared with holmium laser treatment.

We studied a cohort of 39 patients with anastomotic strictures in years 1999 to 2007. Twenty-two patients had undergone bipolar resection, and 17 patients had undergone holmium laser treatment. The mean age of the bipolar cohort was 63.8 years; initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 10.7 ng/mL. The mean age of the laser cohort was 64 years; initial PSA level was 7.8 ng/mL. The results were evaluated by measurement of the maximum urinary flow (Qmax) and the postvoid residual volume of urine (PVR) before surgery, and at 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for statistical analysis, and a P value <0.05 was considered significant.

The mean follow-up period was 42 (14-74) months. Improvements in Qmax and PVR were recorded in the two cohorts. In the bipolar cohort, the mean values of Qmax were 3.9 mL/s, 14 mL/s, and 13 ml/s, while PVR values were 46 mL, 10 mL, and 11 mL. The mean values of Qmax in the laser cohort were 3.7 mL/s, 11 mL/s and 6.1 mL/s; PVR were 25 mL, 16 mL, and 19 mL. Statistically significantly better results of Qmax over 6 months were in the bipolar cohort (P < 0.001). No perioperative complications and no deterioration of urinary continence were recorded.

The bipolar resection of an anastomotic stricture is a highly effective method that produces better long-term results than the holmium laser treatment.