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Urethral Balloon Dilatation: Factors Affecting Outcomes

Background/Aims/Objectives: The study aims to review our experience with balloon dilatation of urethral strictures and retrospectively analyze predictors of improved success rates. Methods: One hundred and forty-four cases were analyzed from January 2011 to December 2012. Patients underwent balloon dilatation using 6-Fr Balloon dilator set (Cook Urological, Spencer, Ind., USA). Patients analyzed with respect to demography, uroflowmetry (Qmax) and need for auxiliary procedures in the immediate postoperative period, at 6 months and at 1 year. Comparisons were made between those who performed self-calibration against those who did not. Results: Overall success rate of balloon dilatation in our study was 84.4%. Procedural failure was observed with 3 patients (2.1%). Auxiliary procedure was required in 21 cases (15.6%) during follow-up. The mean Qmax (ml/s) in those who regularly performed self-calibration (n = 73) and in those who did not perform self-calibration (n = 39) in the immediate postoperative period, at 6 months and at 1 year were 24.2 ± 10.5, 16.5 ± 7.5, 14.4 ± 6.3 and 21.2 ± 10.6, 14.5 ± 7, 10.8 ± 5.6, respectively. Statistical significance was noted at 1 year (p = 0.003). Lesser re-treatments were required in those who performed self-calibration (12.3 vs. 20.5%). Improved success rates were noted with focal and bulbar strictures. Iatrogenic strictures and pan-anterior urethral strictures had poor outcomes despite self-calibration. Conclusions: Balloon dilation with self-calibration significantly improves flow rates at 1 year and lessens auxiliary procedures required. It is simple, easy to perform under local anesthesia and repeatable in case of re-strictures.