A RETROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY ON BLADDER NECK RESECTION SURGERY USING 22 FR AND 26 FR RESECTOSCOPE SHEATH

Background: Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction (PBNO) is a condition characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from a narrowing or insufcient opening of the bladder neck during urination. Surgical treatment, such as bladder neck resection (BNR), is often performed when medical management is unsuccessful. This study compares the postoperative outcomes of BNR using a 22F resectoscope sheath versus the standard 26F resectoscope sheath. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from October 2022 to October 2024 at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, involving 60 patients who underwent BNR. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (22 Fr sheath) and Group B (26 Fr sheath). Preoperative and postoperative parameters, including AUA score, QOL score, and uroowmetry, were measured at 3 and 6 months. Complications such as urethral stricture and postoperative bleeding were also noted. Results: Both groups had similar preoperative characteristics, and there was no signicant difference in symptom improvement as measured by AUA score and QOL score. However, the 26 Fr group had a higher incidence of postoperative urethral strictures (5%) compared to the 22 Fr group, which had no strictures. Additionally, one patient in the 26 Fr group experienced signicant postoperative bleeding, requiring relook cystoscopy and fulguration. Conclusion: BNR using a 22 Fr resectoscope sheath offers comparable symptom relief to the 26 Fr sheath but with a lower risk of postoperative complications, particularly urethral strictures.