The Clinical Effects of Utilizing Allogeneic Acellular Dermal Matrix in the Surgical Therapy of Anterior Urethral Stricture

Abstract

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study was to estimate the clinical effects of allogeneic acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in the surgical therapy of anterior urethral stricture (AUS). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 49 patients with AUS who underwent urethral repair surgery with ADM in the Department of Urology of the Peking University People’s Hospital, and in the First Affiliated Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, from September 2015 to January 2019. The changes in urine flow rate and conditions of urethral mucosal coverage were observed as well as complications and outcomes, and statistical analysis was performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The average maximum urine flow rates at the 1st, 6th, and 12th month post-surgery were 16.3 ± 1.5, 15.0 ± 1.9, and 14.6 ± 2.1 mL/s, respectively. These values were significantly higher than the preoperative maximum urine flow rate, 1.3 ± 0.5 mL/s (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). Cystoscopy was performed in 11 patients 12 months after surgery, with microscopic assessment revealing good urethral epithelial mucosal coverage. Only 2 patients developed infection 2–4 weeks after surgery, while 7 patients developed noninfective urethral restricture 6–10 months after surgery and 1 patient developed urinary fistula 5 months after surgery. All of these statuses improved after receiving appropriate treatment. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Use of ADM represents a new option for the surgical management of AUS repair and reconstruction, with positive clinical effects. In addition, it has the advantages of convenient for operation procedures and access, with no need for additional sampling surgery.