Bladder and buccal mucosa graft in urethral stricture reconstruction

Purpose. Our aim was to determine the success of urethroplasty using a free graft of buccal or bladder mucosa for the treatment of complex anterior urethral stricture in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS. From October 2000 to February 2005, 11 patients with complex anterior urethral stricture underwent substitution urethroplasty, using mucosal grafts, 6 buccal and 5 bladder. RESULTS. The mean follow-up time was 50 months for 8 out of 11 patients (range 24 to 72). The procedure was successful for 6 patients (75%). Urethral stricture recurred in 2 patients (25%) and was treated by urethrotomy or meatoplasty with positive outcomes. CONCLUSION. Our limited experience with the reconstruction of a complex stricture of the anterior urethra confirmed that buccal and bladder mucosa grafts are excellent materials for substitution urethroplasty but that case selection is important.