Description

ABSTRACT

Background: Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU) has significantly reduced the morbidity of open urethroplasty for short segment urethral stricture. Its acceptance has been of significance since its introduction in our centre. Endourology has advanced in developed countries and is rapidly advancing in developing countries. Aim: To review the experience of outcomes indirect vision internal urethrotomies for short segment urethral strictures in a single centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Patients and methods: This study was a prospective study of all direct vision internal urethrotomies carried out between 2014 and 2019 following a history of lower urinary tract symptoms. Initial cystoscopies, uroflowmetry, and urethrograms were performed for all 24 patients. The selection criteria included a short segment urethral strictures. Exclusion criteria were bladder stones, benign prostate enlargement and long segment or complex urethral strictures. Information obtained include age, gender, anatomical location of stricture, procedure, duration of surgery, complications, and were analysed. Result: During the period of study, 42 DVIU were performed with age range of 27 – 86years with mean age of 55.8years and mean time of surgery 19.5mins. All were males. Following initial cystoscopies, uroflowmetry and urethrograms DVIU were performed for all 42 patients, 18 patients had penile short segment urethral strictures while 24 patients had bulbar strictures. There were recurrence in 5 patients who required urethral calibration with silastic urethral catheter but there was no mortality recorded. Conclusion: DVIU is a safe procedure and is also regularly performed in Port Harcourt Nigeria. This desired technology has greatly reduced the morbidity of open urethroplasty and also reduced the hospital stay to less than 24 hours.

 Keywords: Urethrotomy, Cystoscopy, Direct vision, Urethral strictures