Endoscopic urethroplasty of posterior urethral avulsion

Traumatic avulsion of the posterior urethra represents a challenging reconstructive problem that traditionally has been managed by the transpubic or transperineal approach. We report the advantages of endourologic techniques to reconstruct short posterior urethral disruptions based on the principles of establishing proximal urethral control and balloon dilation of the newly constructed urethra.

Endourologic urethroplasty consists of: (1) antegrade flexible cystoscopy or antegrade passage of a Goodwin sound, (2) retrograde urethrotomy to light or to tip of Goodwin sound, facilitated by C-arm fluoroscopy, (3) establishment of urethral continuity by passage of a guide wire, (4) balloon dilation of the newly established urethra to 24 to 30 F over a length of 4 cm, and (5) long-term urethral stenting (4 to 8 weeks) with a silicone Foley catheter.

In four men initially managed by suprapubic cystostomy, endourologic reconstruction was performed. The mean blood loss was 250 mL, and mean length of hospitalization was 5.4 days. All patients were continent and three were potent over a mean follow-up of 10.5 months. Uroflowmetric monitoring showed satisfactory voiding patterns with subsequent minor endoscopic revisions required in three patients.

The technical advantages of this method include stabilization and identification of the proximal urethra, intraoperative shortening of the urethral gap to facilitate the urethrotomy, and radial distention of the urethra by balloon dilation. We conclude that endourologic methods provide a safe and effective initial treatment of urethral avulsion.