[Evaluation of testosteronemia in men undergoing surgery for urethral strictures]

Testosterone plays an important role in the functioning of various organs and systems of the male body. Its diagnostic and prognostic values are studied both in urological diseases and in the patients undergoing non-urologic surgery.

To investigate changes in testosterone level in patients with urethral strictures (US) depending on its baseline level, the cause of US, the age of patients and the number of surgeries.

The study comprised 30 patients aged 19-63 years with traumatic (76.7%) and inflammatory (23.3%) US. Primary and recurrent US were diagnosed in 25 (83.3%) and 5 (16.7%) patients, respectively. Nineteen (63.3%) patients underwent excision and primary anastomosis, while replacement urethroplasty was performed in 11 (36.7%) patients. In addition to the standard diagnostic work-up, all patients were tested for total serum testosterone 24 hours prior to surgery and at 1, 3, 7, 14 days after the operation.

33.3% of men with US had a testosterone deficiency in the absence of any testicular or endocrine injuries and diseases. Surgery was associated with a drop in testosteronemia in 83.3% of patients. The degree of postoperative testosterone level decline and its changes were significantly influenced by the age of patients and the number of operations. Men who had baseline testosterone deficiency and underwent repeat surgeries remained in a hypogonadal state throughout the postoperative period.

Investigating the clinical value of testosterone in men with US and the risks of their surgical treatment associated with testosterone deficiency will provide insight into the role of testosterone in the treatment of this condition and the decision-making regarding pharmacological correction of testosterone deficiency in patients undergoing surgery for US.