Laser urethrotomy is more effective than optical internal urethrotomy in managing male patients with urethral stricture disease

Objective: To compare the outcome of internal optical urethrotomy versus laser urethrotomy for management of male patients with urethral stricture. Methodology: This Randomized Controlled Trial was carried out at Department of Urology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro from March 8 to September 7, 2017. Total 60 patients having urethral strictures were included and divided into Group-A (laser urethrotomy) and Group-B (internal optical urethrotomy). Operative time was noted. After 1 month, peak flow rate was recorded. Comparison for mean operative time and peak flow rate by using t-test was done. P-value ≤0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Mean stricture duration in Group-A was 7.36±1.06 weeks and 6.66±1.21 in group-B. Mean stricture length in Group-A was 10.30±2.98 mm while in Group-B 11.90±3.00 mm. Mean operative time in Group-A was 17.10±6.17 minutes and 29.76±8.89 minutes in group-B while mean postoperative peak flow rate in Group-A was 24.13±3.17 ml/sec and 22.06±2.92 ml/sec in group-B. There was significant mean difference in mean operative time and mean postoperative peak flow rate among groups. Conclusion: Laser Urethrotomy was effective in providing relief by significant shorter operative time and increased flow rate.