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Refractory Urethral Stricture Management: Indications for Alternative Grafts and Flaps

  • Surgery (J Simhan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Urethral strictures that are refractory to initial management present unique challenges to the reconstructive surgeon. Treatment trends have shifted as new tissue resources are becoming available. There is renewed interest in old methods as skill and technique have improved. We describe the scope of the surgical armamentarium available to develop creative approaches and successful outcomes.

Recent findings

We discuss techniques to maximize the availability of oral mucosa, harvest and use of rectal mucosa, and developments in tissue engineering. Evolving methods to assess success of repair are also described.

Summary

Urethral reconstruction for refractory urethral strictures requires proficiency with multiple methods as these strictures often require combining techniques for successful treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Urology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01805, USA

    Alison C. Levy & Alex J. Vanni

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  1. Alison C. Levy
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Correspondence to Alex J. Vanni.

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Alison C. Levy and Alex J. Vanni each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Levy, A.C., Vanni, A.J. Refractory Urethral Stricture Management: Indications for Alternative Grafts and Flaps. Curr Urol Rep 19, 20 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-018-0769-0

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