Abstract:
Purpose of Review: Due to the proximity of the rhabdosphincter and cavernous nerves to the membranous urethra, reconstruction
of membranous urethral stricture implies a risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. To avoid these complications,
endoscopic management of membranous urethral strictures is traditionally favored, and bulboprostatic anastomosis is reserved as
the main classical approach for open reconstruction of recalcitrant membranous urethral stricture. The preference for the anastomotic
urethroplasty among reconstructive urologists is likely influenced by the familiarity and experience with trauma-related
injuries. We review the literature focusing on the anatomy of membranous urethra and on the evolution of treatments for
membranous urethral strictures.
Recent Findings: Non-traumatic strictures affecting bulbomembranous urethra are typically sequelae of instrumentation, transurethral
resection of the prostate, prostate cancer treatment, and pelvic irradiation. Being a different entity from trauma-related
injuries where urethra is not in continuity, a new understanding of membranous urethral anatomy is necessary for the development
of novel reconstruction techniq...