Management of urethral strictures in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Urethral strictures are a significant challenge in pediatric urology.
• Previous literature often reports suboptimal outcomes for minimally invasive treatments in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of balloon dilation for pediatric urethral strictures.
• To compare outcomes of balloon dilation with other management options.

Main Methods:

• A long-term follow-up study of 78 children (1 month to 20 years) with urethral strictures.
• Primary treatment involved balloon dilation in 66 patients; manipulative management in 68.
• Secondary treatment included one-stage urethroplasty in 22 patients.

Main Results:

• Manipulative management achieved a 55/68 success rate without complications.
• Balloon dilation alone demonstrated an 80% success rate (53/66).
• One-stage urethroplasty had a 95.5% success rate, often as a secondary procedure.

Conclusions:

• Balloon dilation is a safe and effective primary treatment for pediatric urethral strictures.
• Results challenge the notion of poor outcomes with balloon dilation in pediatric patients.
• Urethroplasty remains a highly successful option for recalcitrant cases.