Objective:To investigate the treatment strategies for vesicovaginal fistula（VVF）in women following cervical cancer radiotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 33 female patients with post-radiotherapy VVF after cervical cancer treatment at Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital between January 2020 and June 2024. The patients were categorized into three groups based on surgical approaches：Group A（11 patients）：Underwent prone-position VVF repair. Mean age：（50.0±9.6）years；mean radiotherapy sessions：（22.6±2.2）. All had simple VVF without concurrent intestinal or surrounding soft-tissue fistulas. Among them，1 patient previously received laparoscopic VVF repair，1 transvaginal VVF repair，and 2 gracilis muscle flap packing for VVF repair. One month prior to surgery，the average daily usage of urine pads was 16.7（12.8，25.7）pieces，and the quality of life（QOL）score stood at 4.0（4.0，5.0）points. Preoperative cystoscopy revealed that 8 cases had fistulas located in the trigonal region of the bladder，while 3 cases had fistulas on the posterior bladder wall. The diameter of the fistula openings，measured under a microscope，was 1.2（0.8，1.6）cm. Based on the Goh classification criteria for vesicovaginal fistulas，this group included 3 cases of type 1，4 cases of type 2，2 cases of type 3，and 2 cases of type 4；7 cases of type A and 4 cases of type B；as well as 3 cases of typeⅠ，7 cases of type Ⅱ，and 1 case of type Ⅲ.Group B（20 patients）：Underwent gracilis muscle flap packing for VVF repair. Mean age：（58.6±8.8）years；mean radiotherapy sessions：（29.8±3.9）. Three patients had concurrent rectovaginal fistulas and received colostomy for fecal diversion. History of previous interventions：3 had laparoscopic VVF repair，4 transvaginal VVF repair，and 1 both transvaginal and laparoscopic VVF repair. One month prior to surgery，the average daily usage of urine pads was 19.7（15.8，27.7）pieces，and the QOL score stood at 5.0（5.0，6.0）points. Preoperative cystoscopy revealed that 13 cases had fistulas located in the trigonal region of the bladder，while 7 cases had fistulas on the posterior bladder wall. The diameter of the fistula openings，measured under a microscope，was 1.8（1.0，3.2）cm. Based on the Goh classification criteria for vesicovaginal fistulas，this group included 4 cases of type 1，9 cases of type 2，3 cases of type 3，and 4 cases of type 4；6 cases of type A，11 cases of type B and 3 cases of type C；as well as 1 cases of type Ⅱ，and 19 case of type Ⅲ. Group C（2 patients）：Underwent ureterocutaneous diversion. Ages：67 and 73 years；radiotherapy sessions：51 and 60，respectively. Both had concurrent rectovaginal fistulas and bladder soft-tissue fistulas. The patient presented with recurrent thigh abscesses accompanied by fever. One month prior to surgery，the daily usage of urine pads was 29 and 23 pieces，respectively，and the QOL score was 6 points. Cystoscopic examination revealed that the vesicovaginal fistulas were located in the trigone of the bladder，with diameters of 3 cm and 4 cm，respectively. Additionally，partial defects were noted in the ventral wall of the urethra，while no bladder soft tissue fistulas were detected. According to the Goh classification for vesicovaginal fistulas，both cases were categorized as type 4，type C，and type Ⅲ. For Groups A and B，urinary catheters were indwelled for 3 weeks postoperatively，then removed to assess spontaneous urination and incontinence. QOL was evaluated，with a minimum 6-month follow-up. For confirmed postoperative VVF recurrence，re-repair was performed 3?6 months later based on patient preference. For Group C，double-J stents were placed in the ureters，and stoma bags were applied 3 days postoperatively. Stents were replaced every 1?2 months，with QOL assessment. Successful fistula repair in Groups A and B was defined as the absence of vaginal leakage confirmed by cystoscopy after six months of the procedure with no vaginal leakage. For Group C，surgical success was determined by the resolution of perineal urinary leakage and improvement in QOL.Results:All 33 patients completed surgery successfully. Group A：Follow-up duration：16.3（9.6，24.6）months. Surgical repair succeeded in 7 patients，with unobstructed spontaneous urination and no vaginal incontinence. Four patients had VVF recurrence：2 refused further treatment，and 2 underwent repeat gracilis muscle flap packing. One was successfully repaired，while one recurrence case refused further treatment. Group B：Follow-up duration：17.0（9.5，24.8）months（8?32 months）. Thirteen patients restored spontaneous urination without recurrence. Seven had recurrence：5 refused further surgery，and 2 underwent re-repair. One repair succeeded without incontinence，while one recurrence case refused treatment. Group C：Follow-up durations were 6 and 22 months. Perineum remained dry without incontinence（no urine pads needed），and no recurrence of thigh soft-tissue redness/infection occurred. QOL scores were 2 and 3，respectively.Conclusions:Post-radiotherapy VVF in women after cervical cancer presents complex and variable conditions. The primary goal of treatment should be to improve patients’ quality of life. Treatment approaches should be selected based on the complexity of urinary fistulas and local tissue conditions. In general，patients who are younger，have received lower doses of radiation therapy，present with smaller fistula diameters，have well-vascularized and elastic perifistular tissues，and have no concurrent tissue fistulas are candidates for prone-position VVF repair. Patients who do not meet the criteria for transvaginal repair，have a history of at least two previous repair attempts，or have concurrent vaginorectal fistulas require gracilis muscle flap packing for VVF repair. Patients with three or more types of concurrent tissue fistulas，extensive pale and inelastic perifistular tissues，and who are not amenable to repair surgery undergo ureterocutaneous diversion.

Objective:To investigate the treatment strategies for vesicovaginal fistula（VVF）in women following cervical cancer radiotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 33 female patients with post-radiotherapy VVF after cervical cancer treatment at Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital between January 2020 and June 2024. The patients were categorized into three groups based on surgical approaches：Group A（11 patients）：Underwent prone-position VVF repair. Mean age：（50.0±9.6）years；mean radiotherapy sessions：（22.6±2.2）. All had simple VVF without concurrent intestinal or surrounding soft-tissue fistulas. Among them，1 patient previously received laparoscopic VVF repair，1 transvaginal VVF repair，and 2 gracilis muscle flap packing for VVF repair. One month prior to surgery，the average daily usage of urine pads was 16.7（12.8，25.7）pieces，and the quality of life（QOL）score stood at 4.0（4.0，5.0）points. Preoperative cystoscopy revealed that 8 cases had fistulas located in the trigonal region of the bladder，while 3 cases had fistulas on the posterior bladder wall. The diameter of the fistula openings，measured under a microscope，was 1.2（0.8，1.6）cm. Based on the Goh classification criteria for vesicovaginal fistulas，this group included 3 cases of type 1，4 cases of type 2，2 cases of type 3，and 2 cases of type 4；7 cases of type A and 4 cases of type B；as well as 3 cases of typeⅠ，7 cases of type Ⅱ，and 1 case of type Ⅲ.Group B（20 patients）：Underwent gracilis muscle flap packing for VVF repair. Mean age：（58.6±8.8）years；mean radiotherapy sessions：（29.8±3.9）. Three patients had concurrent rectovaginal fistulas and received colostomy for fecal diversion. History of previous interventions：3 had laparoscopic VVF repair，4 transvaginal VVF repair，and 1 both transvaginal and laparoscopic VVF repair. One month prior to surgery，the average daily usage of urine pads was 19.7（15.8，27.7）pieces，and the QOL score stood at 5.0（5.0，6.0）points. Preoperative cystoscopy revealed that 13 cases had fistulas located in the trigonal region of the bladder，while 7 cases had fistulas on the posterior bladder wall. The diameter of the fistula openings，measured under a microscope，was 1.8（1.0，3.2）cm. Based on the Goh classification criteria for vesicovaginal fistulas，this group included 4 cases of type 1，9 cases of type 2，3 cases of type 3，and 4 cases of type 4；6 cases of type A，11 cases of type B and 3 cases of type C；as well as 1 cases of type Ⅱ，and 19 case of type Ⅲ. Group C（2 patients）：Underwent ureterocutaneous diversion. Ages：67 and 73 years；radiotherapy sessions：51 and 60，respectively. Both had concurrent rectovaginal fistulas and bladder soft-tissue fistulas. The patient presented with recurrent thigh abscesses accompanied by fever. One month prior to surgery，the daily usage of urine pads was 29 and 23 pieces，respectively，and the QOL score was 6 points. Cystoscopic examination revealed that the vesicovaginal fistulas were located in the trigone of the bladder，with diameters of 3 cm and 4 cm，respectively. Additionally，partial defects were noted in the ventral wall of the urethra，while no bladder soft tissue fistulas were detected. According to the Goh classification for vesicovaginal fistulas，both cases were categorized as type 4，type C，and type Ⅲ. For Groups A and B，urinary catheters were indwelled for 3 weeks postoperatively，then removed to assess spontaneous urination and incontinence. QOL was evaluated，with a minimum 6-month follow-up. For confirmed postoperative VVF recurrence，re-repair was performed 3?6 months later based on patient preference. For Group C，double-J stents were placed in the ureters，and stoma bags were applied 3 days postoperatively. Stents were replaced every 1?2 months，with QOL assessment. Successful fistula repair in Groups A and B was defined as the absence of vaginal leakage confirmed by cystoscopy after six months of the procedure with no vaginal leakage. For Group C，surgical success was determined by the resolution of perineal urinary leakage and improvement in QOL.Results:All 33 patients completed surgery successfully. Group A：Follow-up duration：16.3（9.6，24.6）months. Surgical repair succeeded in 7 patients，with unobstructed spontaneous urination and no vaginal incontinence. Four patients had VVF recurrence：2 refused further treatment，and 2 underwent repeat gracilis muscle flap packing. One was successfully repaired，while one recurrence case refused further treatment. Group B：Follow-up duration：17.0（9.5，24.8）months（8?32 months）. Thirteen patients restored spontaneous urination without recurrence. Seven had recurrence：5 refused further surgery，and 2 underwent re-repair. One repair succeeded without incontinence，while one recurrence case refused treatment. Group C：Follow-up durations were 6 and 22 months. Perineum remained dry without incontinence（no urine pads needed），and no recurrence of thigh soft-tissue redness/infection occurred. QOL scores were 2 and 3，respectively.Conclusions:Post-radiotherapy VVF in women after cervical cancer presents complex and variable conditions. The primary goal of treatment should be to improve patients’ quality of life. Treatment approaches should be selected based on the complexity of urinary fistulas and local tissue conditions. In general，patients who are younger，have received lower doses of radiation therapy，present with smaller fistula diameters，have well-vascularized and elastic perifistular tissues，and have no concurrent tissue fistulas are candidates for prone-position VVF repair. Patients who do not meet the criteria for transvaginal repair，have a history of at least two previous repair attempts，or have concurrent vaginorectal fistulas require gracilis muscle flap packing for VVF repair. Patients with three or more types of concurrent tissue fistulas，extensive pale and inelastic perifistular tissues，and who are not amenable to repair surgery undergo ureterocutaneous diversion.

Objective:To explore the application value of transpubic access on female urogenital tract injury.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 15 female patients with urogenital tract injury caused by trauma admitted to our department from May 2020 to October 2024，all of whom were complicated urethral stricture or atresia，accompanied by urethrovaginal fistula or vaginorectal fistula. All patients underwent suprapubic vesicostomy before surgery，and 1 case underwent sigmoidostomy simultaneously. The mean age of the patients was（29.6 ± 3.2）years old，and the course of disease was 6-24 months. Preoperative urethrography and urethroscope showed the location of urethral stenosis，with proximal urethra stricture in 7 cases and distal urethra stricture in 8 cases. The average length of strictures was（2.8±0.2）cm. The urethral ultrasonography，magnetic resonance and CTU examination showed 8 patients were complicated with urethrovaginal fistula，and 1 patient was complicated with vaginorectal fistula. All patients underwent transpubic access and resection of symphysis pubis. According to the specific conditions of urethral stricture，7 of them underwent end-to-end urethral anastomosis，5 cases underwent bladder wall flap urethroplasty，3 cases underwent vulva flap urethroplasty，8 cases underwent urethral vaginal fistula repair，1 case underwent vagino-rectal fistula repair，and 7 cases underwent vaginoplasty during the operation.Results:All the 15 patients underwent successful operation without complication. After the catheter being removed 4 weeks after surgery，2 patients had urgent urinary incontinence and 3 patients had stress urinary incontinence. The bladder neck was reconstructed 3 months after surgery，the symptoms of urinary incontinence improved in 1 case，urinary incontinence remained in 2 cases，and pharmaceutical or physical therapy were continued. Two patients could not urinate normally after the catheter was removed and still carried the vesicostomy tube，waiting for further treatment. The other 8 patients had unobtrusive voiding after extubating，and were followed up for an average of（22.5±3.2）months. There was no recurrence of urinary fistula，and the average maximum urinary flow rate was（22.8±3.2）ml/s.Conclusions:The transpubic approach is a safe and effective way to treat female genital tract injury by different surgical methods according to specific conditions，especially for patients with severe trauma，poor local tissue conditions，complicated urethrovaginal fistula or vagino-rectal fistula.

Objective:To explore the application value of transpubic access on female urogenital tract injury.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 15 female patients with urogenital tract injury caused by trauma admitted to our department from May 2020 to October 2024，all of whom were complicated urethral stricture or atresia，accompanied by urethrovaginal fistula or vaginorectal fistula. All patients underwent suprapubic vesicostomy before surgery，and 1 case underwent sigmoidostomy simultaneously. The mean age of the patients was（29.6 ± 3.2）years old，and the course of disease was 6-24 months. Preoperative urethrography and urethroscope showed the location of urethral stenosis，with proximal urethra stricture in 7 cases and distal urethra stricture in 8 cases. The average length of strictures was（2.8±0.2）cm. The urethral ultrasonography，magnetic resonance and CTU examination showed 8 patients were complicated with urethrovaginal fistula，and 1 patient was complicated with vaginorectal fistula. All patients underwent transpubic access and resection of symphysis pubis. According to the specific conditions of urethral stricture，7 of them underwent end-to-end urethral anastomosis，5 cases underwent bladder wall flap urethroplasty，3 cases underwent vulva flap urethroplasty，8 cases underwent urethral vaginal fistula repair，1 case underwent vagino-rectal fistula repair，and 7 cases underwent vaginoplasty during the operation.Results:All the 15 patients underwent successful operation without complication. After the catheter being removed 4 weeks after surgery，2 patients had urgent urinary incontinence and 3 patients had stress urinary incontinence. The bladder neck was reconstructed 3 months after surgery，the symptoms of urinary incontinence improved in 1 case，urinary incontinence remained in 2 cases，and pharmaceutical or physical therapy were continued. Two patients could not urinate normally after the catheter was removed and still carried the vesicostomy tube，waiting for further treatment. The other 8 patients had unobtrusive voiding after extubating，and were followed up for an average of（22.5±3.2）months. There was no recurrence of urinary fistula，and the average maximum urinary flow rate was（22.8±3.2）ml/s.Conclusions:The transpubic approach is a safe and effective way to treat female genital tract injury by different surgical methods according to specific conditions，especially for patients with severe trauma，poor local tissue conditions，complicated urethrovaginal fistula or vagino-rectal fistula.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the improved proximal urethral transection method in treating posterior urethral stricture.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 1 787 male patients treated from January 2013 to May 2023 for pelvic fractures associated with posterior urethral disruption or obliteration. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 months to 76 years, with an average age of (34.3±4.1) years. Etiologies included pelvic compression injuries due to traffic accidents (867 cases), falls from height (464 cases), and machine-related pelvic compression injuries (456 cases). Preoperative suprapubic cystostomy was performed in 1 536 cases. All patients underwent preoperative excretory and retrograde urethrography, urethral ultrasonography in 187 cases, urethroscopy in 1 440 cases, and urethral MRI in 38 cases. The average length of the stricture or obliterated segment was (3.1±0.5) cm. Posterior urethral stricture was present in 281 cases (15.7%) with maintained urethral continuity, while complete posterior urethral obliteration occurred in 1 506 cases (84.3%). Preoperative urethrocystoscopy and urethral MRI were used to determine the distance from the verumontanum to the stricture or obliterated segment, >2 cm identified in 1 434 cases (80.2%) and ≤2 cm in 353 cases (19.8%). Before surgery, 1 073 cases had IIEF-5 scores≤21 points, 672 cases had IIEF-5 scores≥22 points, and 42 cases without sexual activity refused the questionnaire survey. Surgical method: The perineal region was disinfected, and a urethral probe was introduced through the suprapubic cystostomy site into the bladder neck, directly reaching the proximal end of the obliterated urethra. The tip of the probe was palpated with the left index finger on the body surface and marked. An inverted " Y" -shaped incision was made centered around this point, followed by dissection of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bulbospongiosus muscle to expose the bulbous urethra. The bulbous urethra was isolated and retracted. Scar tissue above the bulbous urethra was incised to expose the perineal transverse ligament. Guided by the probe, the perineal transverse ligament was transected using an electrosurgical knife above the urethra, while horizontal dissection was performed along the perineal central tendon to separate the urethra from the anterior rectal wall. Bilateral dissection of the surrounding scar tissues extended up to the tip of the probe at the posterior urethra. Scar tissue at the probe tip was incised, revealing the probe. Then, proximal urethra was prepared and set aside after its around scar tissue was trimmed. The distal urethra was mobilized to an adequate length upwards, with scar tissue trimmed and prepared as well. Using 4-0 absorbable sutures, eight sutures were placed at positions 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11 on the urethra. An F16 urethral catheter was left in place, and the incision was closed. Record the duration of surgery, amount of bleeding, number of blood transfusions, and transfusion volume. Four weeks postoperatively, the catheter was removed, and patients were instructed to urinate spontaneously. Six months later, assessments included uroflowmetry and the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) questionnaire, with a Q max>15 ml/s indicating successful surgery and an IIEF-5 score ≥ 22 indicating normal erectile function. Results:All patients successfully completed the surgery, the average operation time was (75.5±8.5) minutes, and the average intraoperative blood loss was (110.4±13.2) ml. 62 patients received intraoperative blood transfusion, with an average volume of (285.5±15.5)ml. The follow-up period was (26.1±4.5) months. A total of 1 729 patients (96.7%) achieved a Q max>15 ml/s. Among the 38 patients with postoperative voiding difficulties, 26 patients improved after internal urethrotomy, and 12 patients underwent a subpubic anastomosis three months later. Postoperative urinary incontinence occurred in 20 patients: 11 patients improved after urethral suspension surgery, and 5 patients achieved urinary control with an artificial urinary sphincter. The remaining patients were under follow-up (unwilling to undergo surgery). Erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 score≤21) was observed in 1 202 cases (67.2%), with 528 treated with sildenafil, resulting in varying degrees of improvement in 120 cases. Fifteen patients restored erectile function with expandable penile prostheses. Conclusions:The perineal approach for the improved proximal urethral transection is suitable for most posterior urethral stricture surgeries. It enables rapid and accurate identification of the proximal urethra, simplifies the steps of urethral anastomosis, and demonstrates clinical efficacy.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of modified Kulkarni's one-stage tongue mucosal urethroplasty.Methods:From January 2020 to December 2022, 42 patients with anterior urethral stricture treated by modified Kulkarni one-stage tongue mucous urethroplasty in Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. Stricture etiology was iatrogenic in 15 cases, trauma in 5 cases, unknown in 5 cases, infection in 6 cases, and lichen sclerosus in 11 cases. Twenty-one patients had previously undergone urethroplasty. The mean age of patients was (48.1±16.2) years. Median stricture length was (6.4±3.0)cm, including 11 cases with two strictures and 3 cases with multiple stenoses. The average preoperative Qmax was (4.6±2.3)ml/s, and the average residual urine was (96.6±24.7)ml. For treatment methods, a midline perineal incision was made, penis was invaginated into the incision, the distal extent of the stenosis was identified, urethra was rotated and dissected only on the left side, and incised dorsally to expose the whole stricture longitudinally. The tongue mucosal graft was fixed to the underlying albuginea and the right margin of the graft was sutured to the left margin of the urethral plate. Foley F14 silicon catheter was inserted. The urethra was rotated to its original position thus covering the oral graft. The improvements were as follows: First, we used tongue mucosa instead of cheek mucosa; Second, for the stenosis involving the urethral meatus, the narrowed urethral meatus was incised on the left side, which was continuous with the incision on the left side of the distal narrow segment, and then tongue mucosa was used as a whole. The catheter was removed 4 weeks after surgery, followed up 1, 3, 6 months, and then once a year.Results:All 42 patients underwent successful surgery without blood transfusion during the operation. The surgical time was 60-120 minutes. There were no complications such as infection, tissue necrosis, or bleeding during the perioperative period, and 16 patients complained of oral pain, which was relieved within one week after surgery. During the follow-up period, 39 cases presented with unobtrusive urination. One month after extubation, the maximum urine flow rate was (25.6±5.7)ml/s, and the residual urine volume was (11.3±7.1)ml. Three months after extubation, the maximum urine flow rate was (25.3±5.7)ml/s, and the residual urine volume was (11.9±7.5)ml. Six months after extubation, the maximum urine flow rate was (24.8±5.9)ml/s, and the residual urine volume was(12.4±7.9)ml. Two patients had recurrent stenosis 2 months after surgery, of which 1 patient underwent urethral dilation and recovered unobstructed urination, and 1 patient had recurrent stenosis after urethral dilation for 2 times and was cured after urethroplasty. No local wound infection, urethral shrinkage, urethral diverticulum, or urinary fistula occurred during the follow-up for 6 to 42 months.Conclusions:The modified Kulkarni’s one-stage tongue mucosa graft urethroplasty is suitable for most anterior urethral strictures, with high success rate, few complications, and avoidance of local wound complications

Objective:To investigate the effect of gracilis flap in repair of radiation-induced vesicovaginal fistula.Methods:The data of 18 patients with radiation-induced vesicovaginal fistula treated in the Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from March 2021 to August 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Their age was (57.3±10.4) years. All patients underwent radical surgery for cervical cancer, and received (24.6±2.8)(range from 20 to 30)times of radiotherapy after surger. The median time between the end of radiotherapy and the onset of vesicovaginal fistula was 14.0(7.8, 18.2)months. The median duration of fistula urine was 12.0(9.8, 18.0)months. All patients were required to use median 19.5(15.8, 27.5) pads per day before surgery. The life quality score(QOL)of 18 cases was median 5.0(5.0, 6.0) points. Three cases had performed laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair, two cases had underwent transvaginal vesicovaginal fistula repair, one case had underwent transvaginal and laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair successively, and the remaining 12 cases were new vesicovaginal fistulas. Two cases were combined with rectovaginal fistulas. All patients underwent the repair of vesicovaginal fistula with gracilis flap interposition in prone and folded knife position, by transvaginal route, the vesicovaginal fistula was mobilized and the two layers were closed, and the vascular pedicle gracilis flap of left inner leg was romoved under the skin tunnel to repair the vesicovaginal fistula. Meanwhile, two cases combined rectovaginal fistulas were repaired and closed the rectovaginal fistulas. The urinary catheters were removed at 3 weeks after the operation and urination was recorded.Results:All patients underwent smooth surgery in (96.6±13.2) minutes. The median follow-up was 13.0(9.8, 20.2)(range from 6 to 24)months. The median number of urine pads used per day in 18 patients was 2.0(1.0, 11.8), and significantly reduced ( P<0.01).QOL score was median 1.0(0, 4.2) point and significantly reduced ( P<0.01).Successful outcome was achieved in 12 patients with no leakage of urine in the vagina. Two cases developed urinary incontinence and required conservative treatment, but the curative effect was poor. Two cases still had vaginal urine leakage performed vesicovaginal fistula repair again. One case was successfully repaired without significant urine leakage.The other case still had significant urine leakage and the QOL score was 3 points. She refused further treatment for self-satisfied. Two cases still had vesicovaginal fistula and rectovaginal fistula after the surgery, and refused further surgery. Conclusions:Repair with gracilis flap interposition is a surgical method with few complications and reliable surgical effect for patients with radiation-induced vesicovaginal fistula.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the improved proximal urethral transection method in treating posterior urethral stricture.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 1 787 male patients treated from January 2013 to May 2023 for pelvic fractures associated with posterior urethral disruption or obliteration. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 months to 76 years, with an average age of (34.3±4.1) years. Etiologies included pelvic compression injuries due to traffic accidents (867 cases), falls from height (464 cases), and machine-related pelvic compression injuries (456 cases). Preoperative suprapubic cystostomy was performed in 1 536 cases. All patients underwent preoperative excretory and retrograde urethrography, urethral ultrasonography in 187 cases, urethroscopy in 1 440 cases, and urethral MRI in 38 cases. The average length of the stricture or obliterated segment was (3.1±0.5) cm. Posterior urethral stricture was present in 281 cases (15.7%) with maintained urethral continuity, while complete posterior urethral obliteration occurred in 1 506 cases (84.3%). Preoperative urethrocystoscopy and urethral MRI were used to determine the distance from the verumontanum to the stricture or obliterated segment, >2 cm identified in 1 434 cases (80.2%) and ≤2 cm in 353 cases (19.8%). Before surgery, 1 073 cases had IIEF-5 scores≤21 points, 672 cases had IIEF-5 scores≥22 points, and 42 cases without sexual activity refused the questionnaire survey. Surgical method: The perineal region was disinfected, and a urethral probe was introduced through the suprapubic cystostomy site into the bladder neck, directly reaching the proximal end of the obliterated urethra. The tip of the probe was palpated with the left index finger on the body surface and marked. An inverted " Y" -shaped incision was made centered around this point, followed by dissection of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bulbospongiosus muscle to expose the bulbous urethra. The bulbous urethra was isolated and retracted. Scar tissue above the bulbous urethra was incised to expose the perineal transverse ligament. Guided by the probe, the perineal transverse ligament was transected using an electrosurgical knife above the urethra, while horizontal dissection was performed along the perineal central tendon to separate the urethra from the anterior rectal wall. Bilateral dissection of the surrounding scar tissues extended up to the tip of the probe at the posterior urethra. Scar tissue at the probe tip was incised, revealing the probe. Then, proximal urethra was prepared and set aside after its around scar tissue was trimmed. The distal urethra was mobilized to an adequate length upwards, with scar tissue trimmed and prepared as well. Using 4-0 absorbable sutures, eight sutures were placed at positions 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11 on the urethra. An F16 urethral catheter was left in place, and the incision was closed. Record the duration of surgery, amount of bleeding, number of blood transfusions, and transfusion volume. Four weeks postoperatively, the catheter was removed, and patients were instructed to urinate spontaneously. Six months later, assessments included uroflowmetry and the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) questionnaire, with a Q max>15 ml/s indicating successful surgery and an IIEF-5 score ≥ 22 indicating normal erectile function. Results:All patients successfully completed the surgery, the average operation time was (75.5±8.5) minutes, and the average intraoperative blood loss was (110.4±13.2) ml. 62 patients received intraoperative blood transfusion, with an average volume of (285.5±15.5)ml. The follow-up period was (26.1±4.5) months. A total of 1 729 patients (96.7%) achieved a Q max>15 ml/s. Among the 38 patients with postoperative voiding difficulties, 26 patients improved after internal urethrotomy, and 12 patients underwent a subpubic anastomosis three months later. Postoperative urinary incontinence occurred in 20 patients: 11 patients improved after urethral suspension surgery, and 5 patients achieved urinary control with an artificial urinary sphincter. The remaining patients were under follow-up (unwilling to undergo surgery). Erectile dysfunction (IIEF-5 score≤21) was observed in 1 202 cases (67.2%), with 528 treated with sildenafil, resulting in varying degrees of improvement in 120 cases. Fifteen patients restored erectile function with expandable penile prostheses. Conclusions:The perineal approach for the improved proximal urethral transection is suitable for most posterior urethral stricture surgeries. It enables rapid and accurate identification of the proximal urethra, simplifies the steps of urethral anastomosis, and demonstrates clinical efficacy.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of modified Kulkarni's one-stage tongue mucosal urethroplasty.Methods:From January 2020 to December 2022, 42 patients with anterior urethral stricture treated by modified Kulkarni one-stage tongue mucous urethroplasty in Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. Stricture etiology was iatrogenic in 15 cases, trauma in 5 cases, unknown in 5 cases, infection in 6 cases, and lichen sclerosus in 11 cases. Twenty-one patients had previously undergone urethroplasty. The mean age of patients was (48.1±16.2) years. Median stricture length was (6.4±3.0)cm, including 11 cases with two strictures and 3 cases with multiple stenoses. The average preoperative Qmax was (4.6±2.3)ml/s, and the average residual urine was (96.6±24.7)ml. For treatment methods, a midline perineal incision was made, penis was invaginated into the incision, the distal extent of the stenosis was identified, urethra was rotated and dissected only on the left side, and incised dorsally to expose the whole stricture longitudinally. The tongue mucosal graft was fixed to the underlying albuginea and the right margin of the graft was sutured to the left margin of the urethral plate. Foley F14 silicon catheter was inserted. The urethra was rotated to its original position thus covering the oral graft. The improvements were as follows: First, we used tongue mucosa instead of cheek mucosa; Second, for the stenosis involving the urethral meatus, the narrowed urethral meatus was incised on the left side, which was continuous with the incision on the left side of the distal narrow segment, and then tongue mucosa was used as a whole. The catheter was removed 4 weeks after surgery, followed up 1, 3, 6 months, and then once a year.Results:All 42 patients underwent successful surgery without blood transfusion during the operation. The surgical time was 60-120 minutes. There were no complications such as infection, tissue necrosis, or bleeding during the perioperative period, and 16 patients complained of oral pain, which was relieved within one week after surgery. During the follow-up period, 39 cases presented with unobtrusive urination. One month after extubation, the maximum urine flow rate was (25.6±5.7)ml/s, and the residual urine volume was (11.3±7.1)ml. Three months after extubation, the maximum urine flow rate was (25.3±5.7)ml/s, and the residual urine volume was (11.9±7.5)ml. Six months after extubation, the maximum urine flow rate was (24.8±5.9)ml/s, and the residual urine volume was(12.4±7.9)ml. Two patients had recurrent stenosis 2 months after surgery, of which 1 patient underwent urethral dilation and recovered unobstructed urination, and 1 patient had recurrent stenosis after urethral dilation for 2 times and was cured after urethroplasty. No local wound infection, urethral shrinkage, urethral diverticulum, or urinary fistula occurred during the follow-up for 6 to 42 months.Conclusions:The modified Kulkarni’s one-stage tongue mucosa graft urethroplasty is suitable for most anterior urethral strictures, with high success rate, few complications, and avoidance of local wound complications

Objective:To explore the efficacy of pedicled bladder muscle flap in the repair of urinary tract obstruction.Methods:The data of 26 patients with urinary tract obstruction admitted to Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from March 2016 to June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 14 males and 12 females, with the age ranged from 2 to 75 years old. Refractory bladder neck obstruction after prostatic hyperplasia surgery in 12 cases, with the age of (70.0±3.5) years old.They all experienced at least 2 times of transurethral stenosis incisionor resection. Transpubic cystostomy tube was placed in 9 patients. Posttraumatic pelvic fractures lead to bladder neck atresia and urethral injury in 6 girls, with the age of (10.5±2.1) years old. The bladder neck atresia and urethral obliteration length was 1-2 cm determined by urethrography. Eight cases suffered ureteral strictures after gynecological myomectomy or ureteroscopy holmium laser lithotripsy(4 cases of each type), including two males and six females, with the age of (55.0±3.2) years old. The length of ureteral stricture or defect was 5-6 cm determined by intravenous urography(IVU) or CT urography(CTU). The patients with bladder neck obstruction underwent the following surgery: The "Y" incision of the bladder and stenosis of the prostate urethra was performed and the pedicled bladder muscle flap was inserted into the normal urethral mucosa to complete the Y-V plasty. In the 6 girl patients, pedicled bladder muscle flap(2-4 cm) augmented reconstruction were performed. All above 18 patients, whose urethral catheter was indwelled for 3-4 weeks, urinary flow rate and urethroscopy examination were performed to evaluate the effect of surgery 4 weeks and 3 months after the operation. As the 8 cases with ureteral strictures, the pedicled bladder muscle flap (7-8 cm) ureteroplasty was performed and the ureteral stent was retained for 4 weeks. Ultrasonography and IVU/CTU were performed 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. The patency of the ureteral lumen and whether it is accompanied by hydronephrosis, lower back pain, and urinary tract infection were assessed.Results:All patients underwent pedicled bladder muscle flap reconstructive surgery successfully and no serious complications occurred postoperatively. The patients were followed up for (8.2± 2.2) months. As urethral catheters were removed, 10 patients with refractory neck obstruction could return to normal urination with the urinary flow Q max (17.2±2.8)ml/s, while 2 patient had dysuria and were treated with regular urethral dilatation. The catheter was removed 4 weeks after the reconstructive surgery in 6 girls with bladder neck atresia and urethral injury after posttraumatic pelvic fracture. Five could successfully urinate with the urinary flow Q max of (16.7±1.1)ml/s, and one girl had urinary incontinence, waiting for further operation.The ureteral stent was removed after ureteroplasty in 8 patients. CTU and IVU examination showed no ureters with obstruction.No one had low back pain, discomfort, or urinary tract infection. Conclusions:The reconstruction using the pedicled bladder muscle flap was a convenient, minimally invasive and effective technique for the management of adjacent lower ureters, bladder neck, and proximal urethra.