Anterograde urethrotomy, a new method for internal urethrotomy

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Urethral stricture treatment often relies on retrograde optical internal urethrotomy.
• Certain complex strictures pose challenges for conventional retrograde approaches.
• Anterograde techniques offer an alternative but require specialized instrumentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and describe a new device for performing anterograde internal urethrotomy.
• To evaluate the feasibility of this device in cases unsuitable for retrograde methods.

Main Methods:

• A novel device, resembling a bladder biopsy forceps (Ch 5) with a movable cutting knife, was developed.
• The device is designed for use with Sachse's urethrotome, inserted through its guide channel.
• Anterograde urethrotomy is performed by guiding the closed knife through the stricture and then opening it.

Main Results:

• The new device facilitates anterograde internal urethrotomy.
• It provides a viable option in cases where optical retrograde urethrotomy is not applicable.
• The method was successfully utilized in 3 out of 145 total urethrotomy procedures.

Conclusions:

• The described device offers a new approach for anterograde internal urethrotomy.
• This innovation addresses limitations of retrograde techniques in specific urethral stricture cases.
• Further investigation may be warranted to explore its broader application and efficacy.