Long-Term Outcomes of Recurrent Bulbar Urethral Stricture Treatment With the Optilume Drug-Coated Balloon: Five-Year Results From the ROBUST I Study
Jessica DeLong, Ramón Virasoro, Merycarla Pichardo, Rafael Estrella, Ramón Rodríguez Lay, Gustavo Espino, Sean P. Elliott
Abstract
PURPOSE: We report the 5-year study closeout results for the ROBUST I trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Optilume drug-coated balloon (DCB) for men with short, recurrent bulbar urethral strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult men with recurrent bulbar urethral strictures ≤ 2 cm long and lumen < 12F were included in the study and treated with the Optilume DCB. Outcome measures included symptom questionnaires, maximum urinary flow rate, postvoid residual, and freedom from repeat intervention. Functional success was defined as improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score ≥ 50% without re-treatment. RESULTS: < .01) at 5 years of follow-up. Erectile function remained unaffected. There were no serious treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In this challenging cohort of men with failed prior endoscopic treatment, the Optilume DCB shows sustained improvement in subjective and objective voiding parameters at 5 years. Optilume is a safe and effective treatment option for appropriately selected men with recurrent bulbar urethral stricture who wish to avoid urethroplasty. Results are in line with the ROBUST III randomized controlled trial that will continue follow-up through 5 years.