Background
Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is an uncommon entity in women. The incidence is only 2.7–8% of women referred for voiding symptoms. It is common to treat female urethral strictures by repeated urethral dilatations with subsequent self-intermittent catheterisation, which often leads to stricture recurrence. We aim to review the technique and outcomes of Dorsal vaginal graft Urethroplasty (DVGU) to manage urethral strictures in females.
Methods
This study is a retrospective chart review of 24 women with urethral stricture who underwent dorsal vaginal graft urethroplasty by a single surgeon. Patients were selected based on history, physical examination, uroflowmetry, urethral calibration, urethroscopy and voiding cystourethrography. We compared the pre- and postoperative values of variables such as the peak flow (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR) and self-reporting satisfaction score.
Results
Mean (range) age of the patients was 46.54 (38–55) years. The mean PVR was 6.35 ml/s and 148.12 ml/s, respectively. The mean Qmax before and after surgery was 6.35–25.12 ml/s, respectively (p < 0.05). The mean PVR decreased from 148.12 ml (preoperative) to 41.67 ml (postoperative) (p < 0.05). Before and after surgery, the mean calibration size was 12.76 F and 24.50 F, respectively (p < 0.05). Self-reported satisfaction score (Patient Global impression of improvement) showed that five (5) patients scored 1 (very much better), sixteen (16) patients scored 2 (much better) and three (3) patients scored 3 (a little better). Three women (12.5%) had stricture recurrence. Two of them got stabilised with initial soft dilatation, and the third women required continued self-catheterisation. Overall, the success rate was 87.5% with a mean (range) follow-up of 22.62 (12–36) months.
Conclusion
Dorsal onlay vaginal graft urethroplasty is a simple, safe and practical approach to treat female urethral stricture with a reasonable success rate. It can be considered as a first-line option for definitive repair.