Evaluation of crural release and ischial osteotomy for relief of tension in the repair of large segmental urethral defects in male cats.

ObjectiveTo examine if the tension at the site of a urethral anastomosis can be relieved by performing either a crural release technique or an ischial osteotomy technique. Study DesignCadaveric study and 2 case reports. AnimalsAdult male cat cadavers (n=18). MethodsCats were divided into 2 groups; crural release (n=9) and ischial osteotomy (n=9). In each group, 20%, 25%, and 30% of the pelvic urethra was excised in 3 cats. The length of the urethral defect was measured after excision of the urethral segment, and after approximation, before and subsequent to the tension relieving technique performed. Two clinical cases are described. ResultsBoth crural release and ischial osteotomy were effective in relieving the tension encountered at the urethral anastomosis after removal of 20% of the urethral length. In the ischial osteotomy group, apposition without tension after removing up to 30% of the intrapelvic urethral length was easily achieved. A similar technique was successfully used in 2 clinical cases. ConclusionCrural release and ischial osteotomy techniques allow approximation and tension free anastomosis of large segmental defects of the pelvic urethra in cats.