1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Aims and scope
The European Association of Urology (EAU) Urethral Strictures Guidelines aim to provide a comprehensive overview of urethral strictures in male, female, and transgender patients. The Panel is aware of the geographical variations in healthcare provision.
It must be emphasised that guidelines present the best evidence available to the experts; however, following guideline recommendations will not necessarily result in the best outcome. Guidelines can never replace clinical expertise when making treatment decisions for individual patients, but rather help to focus decisions - also taking personal values and preferences/individual circumstances of patients into account.Guidelines are not mandates and do not purport to be a legal standard of care.
1.2. Panel composition
The EAU Urethral Strictures Guidelines panel consists of an international multidisciplinary group of clinicians with particular expertise in this area. All experts involved in the production of this document have submitted potential conflict of interest statements which can be viewed on the EAU website: http://www.uroweb.org/guideline/urethral-strictures/.
1.3. Available publications
Alongside the full text version, a quick reference document (Pocket Guidelines) is available in print and as an app for iOS and Android devices. These are abridged versions which may require consultation together with the full text version. All documents can be viewed through the EAU website: http://www.uroweb.org/ guideline/urethral-strictures/. A list of supplementary tables supporting this text can also be found online, along with an appendix of abbreviations specific to this text: https://uroweb.org/guideline/urethralstrictures/?type=appendices-publications.
1.4. Publication history
This Guideline was first published in 2021. Additional information can be found in the general Methodology section of this print, and online at the EAU website: http://www.uroweb.org/guideline/. A list of associations endorsing the EAU Guidelines can also be viewed online at the above address.