ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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Ahead of Print |
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Adult urethral stricture: Practice and expertise of urologists in Saudi Arabia
Abdullah M Al Khayal1, Manerh A Bin Mosa2, Khalid A Alrabeeah1, Saad M Abumelha1
1 College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences; King Abdullah International Medical Research Center; Division of Urology, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2 College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Correspondence Address:
Abdullah M Al Khayal, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs, P.O. Box 22490, Mail code: 1446, Riyadh 11426 Saudi Arabia
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None DOI: 10.4103/UA.UA_159_18
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Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the methods used to evaluate and manage urethral strictures by urologists practicing in Saudi Arabia.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on a validated questionnaire directed to all urologists and senior residents practicing in Saudi Arabia. Categorical data reported as frequencies and percentages. A Chi-square test was used for inferential analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: We received 112 responses, of which 78% were from board-certified urologists. The majority were working in government hospitals. The rate of endoscopic procedures performed exceeded open urethroplasty. Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy was the most common procedure performed as stated by 85% of the responses. Uroflowmetry with postvoid residual was the most common investigation requested to assess strictures before and after the operation usually in adjunction with retrograde urethrogram and or cystoscopy. Most of the urologists believed in a step-wise approach in the management of strictures and that urethroplasty is indicated only after repeated trials of endoscopic management.
Conclusion: Our results revealed a preference, and perhaps misuse, of endoscopy which might raise a concern regarding patients' prognosis with repeated endoscopic management. Most of the urologists seem to be reluctant to proceed to a definitive treatment on the time of diagnosis either due to a lack of experience or knowledge. The results showed no difference between practice in government and private hospitals.
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