Endoscopic Internal Urethrotomy in the Treatment of Male Urethral Stenosis in the Urology-Andrology Department of KARA Teaching Hospital (Togo)

Abstract

Introduction: Endoscopic internal urethrotomy (EIU) is a method for stricture opening using transurethral incision by direct visualisation of the urethral channel, resulting in a widening of the urinary canal with the aim of improving the quality of bladder emptying. The aim of the study was to evaluate the indication and results of EIU in the treatment of stenosis of the male urethra in the Urology-Andrology Department of Kara Teaching Hospital. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with retrospective data collection in the Urology-Andrology department of Kara Teaching Hospital. It involved 21 records of patients with urethral stenosis treated by endoscopic internal urethrotomy (EIU) in the said department during the period from January 2021 to September 2023. The following variables were evaluated: age, circumstance of discovery, site, length, number, etiology of the urethral stenosis and evolution of the patients. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.2 ± 11.7 years. Infectious etiology of stenosis was predominant with 10 patients (47.6%) followed by trauma with 5 cases (23.8%). The bulbar urethra was the most frequently observed site, with 11 cases (52.4%). The length was mostly less than 2 cm in 12 patients (57.1%). Stenosis was unique in 14 patients (66.7%). The mean postoperative follow-up time was 3.2 months. The result was immediately better in 11 patients (52.4%) and it was poor in 8 patients (38.1%) who required maintenance dilation sessions.