Risk factors and correction methods for postoperative vesicourethral anastomotic strictures: literature review

Considerable life expectancy after radical prostatectomy dictates a necessity to preserve high quality of life of these patients. Conversely, attention is paid to functional results of the surgery, including preservation of the erectile function and quality of urination. Urinary obstruction in the postoperative period, caused primarily by postoperative vesicourethral anastomotic strictures, not only negatively impacts patients’ health but also has a pronounced maladaptation effect. The main factors of maladaptation are weak urine stream; frequent, often painful urination; episodes of acute urine retention. Currently, there are no strict guidelines for prevention of vesicourethral anastomotic strictures or for selection of an optimal method of correction of this postoperative complication of radical prostatectomy. This study highlights the main existing theories concerning development of vesicourethral anastomotic strictures and effectively used methods/ regimens for its treatment.