Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Urethral Stricture Development in Rabbits

Overview

This experimental study evaluated the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) on urethral stricture (US) formation following urethral injury in rabbits. HBO treatment demonstrated protective and restorative effects, reducing fibrosis and improving urethral healing compared to untreated controls.

Background

Urethral stricture is characterized by fibrotic scar formation leading to urethral lumen narrowing and impaired voiding, often resulting in serious complications if untreated. Common causes include inflammation, trauma, and iatrogenic injury. Current treatments range from endoscopic procedures to open surgery, but long-term success rates of minimally invasive methods remain low. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, known to enhance wound healing phases and reduce inflammation and edema, was investigated as a potential non-invasive treatment to prevent or mitigate US development.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• HBO therapy significantly reduced fibrotic scar formation in the urethra compared to untreated injured controls.
• Rabbits receiving HBO showed improved urethral lumen patency on urethrography and urethroscopy.
• Histopathological analysis revealed decreased inflammation and enhanced tissue remodeling in the HBO group.
• The sham group maintained normal urethral anatomy without fibrosis or stricture formation.
• HBO treatment was well tolerated with no adverse effects reported during the study period.

Clinical Implications

These findings suggest that HBO therapy may serve as a promising adjunctive treatment to prevent or reduce urethral stricture formation after injury. Its non-invasive nature and positive effects on wound healing phases could improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for repeated surgical interventions. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these results in human subjects.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy demonstrated protective and restorative effects against urethral stricture development in an experimental rabbit model, supporting its potential as a novel therapeutic approach for this challenging condition.

References

1. 1,2 -- Clinical features and complications of urethral stricture
2. 3,4 -- Etiology and treatment modalities of urethral stricture
3. 5,6 -- Applications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
4. 7,8 -- Effects of HBO on wound healing phases