Retropubic nerve and seminal sparing radical prostatectomy for recurrent bladder neck-prostatic urethra strictures

Objectives: To verify if nerve and seminal sparing radical prostatectomy could represent a reasonable surgical solution for iatrogenic bladder neck-prostatic urethra contracture without external sphincter involvement. Material and Methods: At our Institution 4 patients have been submitted to nerve and seminal sparing radical prostatectomy for recurrent bladder neck - prostatic urethra contracture following TURP for middle size adenoma. In all cases bladder neck was reconstructed and a 20F silicon catheter was left in place for two weeks to stint the vesico-urethral anastomosis. Results: In all cases no significant perioperative complications were experienced. A normal voiding urethrogram preceded removal of the catheter 14 days postoperatively. Urinary continence was recovered by all of the patients. Uroflowmetry was persistently normal at periodic controls. With a mean follow-up of 36.3 months, no patient complained of symptomatic recurrence of urinary obstruction. In three previously potent patients, sexual activity with satisfactory intercourses was maintained. Conclusion: Even though our experience is very limited in terms of number of patients and length of follow-up, we think that nerve and seminal sparing radical prostatectomy, because of the limited risk of major complications and the good result in terms of preservation of both urinary continence and erectile function, can be a reasonable solution for iatrogenic bladder neck - prostatic contracture after prostatic surgery for BPH.