Factors Affecting Recurrence Rate of Urethral Stricture Following Internal Urethrotomy

Background: Urethral stricture (post-scarring contraction in the urethral mucosa) is among most challenging clinical conditions urology. In Pakistan, a high-volume disease and constitutes 4-5% of urology workload (majority them being 3rd to 5th decade life). Different strictures have different management option depending upon site, size number recurrences. OIU indicated for small (1.5 cm) bulbar membranous stricture. However, recurrence after quite common (4 5%). It has been proposed that duration catheter effects rate. The foremost choice internal urethrotomy, but recurrences are common, many believe catheterization post urethrotomy may affect rate.
 Objective: To determine factors affecting rates urethrotomy.
 Methodology: was Quasi Experimental Study conducted Urology ward Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi from 10th March 2020 31 december 2021. Total 60 patients were included; all divided into four equal groups. All followed quarterly 12 months data recorded urinary flow, retention, burning sensation during urination. UFM, Cystoscopy urethrogram done once indicated. Symptomatic or with UFM 15ml/sec checked by cystoscopy if needed. analysis obtained using SPSS v. 21.0.
 Results: mean age sample stood at 27 (SD ± 4) years (range: 20 40) enrolled study. recurred cumulatively 24 (40%) within months. Mean 8.71 1.1 2.97 0.91 days without recurrences, respectively (p=0.001). Catheter dwell times ≥7 associated increased (p=0.039). Of recurrent strictures, diameter also higher (p=0.041).
 Conclusion: After careful consideration, it can be concluded longer in-dwell time greater lead probability hence indwell should limited ≤ 3 chosen no more than 16Fr.