Double-face Augmentation Urethroplasty for Bulbar Urethral Strictures: Technical Implications and Short-term Outcomes for a Dorsal Versus Ventral Approach

Abstract

This study describes technical implications and compares short-term outcomes after a dorsal versus ventral approach for double-face augmentation urethroplasty (DFAU) for treating a near-obliterated bulbar urethral stricture (BUS). This was a retrospective evaluation of a prospectively collected database of patients with BUS (<2 cm) who underwent DFAU. The choice between the approaches depended on (1) landmark identification (the relation between the bulbospongiosus muscle and the distal end of the stricture) and (2) corpus spongiosum width. In DFAU, inlay augmentation was at the level of the narrowed urethral plate (<6 Fr). Patient follow-up data (symptom score and uroflowmetry) were assessed every 3 mo for the first year, and every 6 mo thereafter. A successful outcome was defined as a normal urinary flow rate without obstructive voiding symptoms. Fifty-two patients underwent DFAU for BUS (dorsal approach, n = 30; ventral approach, n = 22). The maximum flow rate and symptom scores significantly improved in both groups. The overall success rates (86%) were similar. In conclusion, a dorsal approach for DFAU is versatile and can be considered in all circumstances. A ventral approach should be performed in patients with proximal BUS. The short-term outcomes were similar for both approaches. Patient summary We assessed whether double-face augmentation urethroplasty is a suitable option for treating near-obliterated bulbar urethral strictures using two free grafts for augmentation to improve the urinary flow. This operation can be performed using two methods and both techniques were safe with similar short-term outcomes.