Post-Radiation Urethral Stricture

Pathogenesis:

(1) periurethral fibrosis

(2) ischemia

The urethral stenosis can occur with radiation therapy of many cancers of the pelvis, but it is most often seen after radiation therapy to the prostate, rectum, and cervix.

The onset may be delayed, even occurring years later. It most often develops in the bulbomembranous region.

Risk factors:

(1) radiation dose received in and around the urethra

(2) failure to protect urethra in radiation planning and delivery

(3) pre-existing urethral injury

(4) status post surgical intervention involving the urethra including vesicourethral anastomosis