ArticleWorld journal of urology2026
Practices in urethral stricture management with drug-coated balloon dilatation: an international survey.
Article in World journal of urology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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20 authors.
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Abstract
purposeDrug-coated balloon (DCB) urethral dilatation which offers an alternative to standard endoscopic treatments of male anterior urethral stricture disease (AUSD). Its ease of delivery has facilitated its use by urologists with various subspecialty interests. The objective of this study was to characterise real-world practice patterns of a DCB device.
methodsAn exploratory cross-sectional online survey was distributed to Optilume
resultsN = 102 urologists responded to the survey of whom n = 47 (46%) were reconstructive subspecialists. DCB dilatation was predominantly performed under general anaesthesia (n = 59, 58%). Significant variation was seen with catheter duration, perioperative antibiotic use and post-procedure contraception advice. Off-label use was common with respondents offering DCB for penile urethral strictures (65%), primary treatment (64%) and bladder neck stenoses (65%). Higher-volume users (≥ 10/year) were more likely to perform DCB under flexible cystoscopy (OR 5.14, 95% 1.57-16.79, p = 0.007), bladder neck stricture (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.55-14.03, p = 0.006), and for recurrences (OR 6.92, 95% CI 2.22-21.6, p = 0.001). Limited practitioner experience, an evidence gap, and the importance of shared decision making were highlighted on thematic analysis.
conclusionsThis study provides an insight into the early experience a novel DCB among practicing urologists. Further research is required to optimize patient selection, procedural protocols and the understanding of long-term outcomes.
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