2Başkent Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Üroloji Anabilim Dalı ANKARA Urethral stricture has been reported to be more common in males than females, albeit the data about real incidence is not available. The study aimed to consolidate our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of urethral stricture in geriatric female patients.
In this retrospective study, the data of 6 females (age between 64 and 83) who had been treated in our clinic were summarized. .Urethral calibrations of patients were performed by means of urethral catheterization. Narrowing of the urethra (< 14F) which did not allow urethral catheterization was defined as an urethral stricture. Patients were evaluated by uroflowmetry and post voiding residual urine measurements. Cystourethroscopy and urethral dilation up to 30F was performed for each patient. . Urethral catheter dilations were continued weekly with 18F catheters for the following two months.
None of the cases necessitated open urethroplasty. Urethral dilatation was well tolerated by all females, and none developed stress urinary incontinence or any other complication. Amelioration of the symptoms and an increase in the urinary flow rate was observed in all patients. No complications were observed following the weekly dilatations by means of catheterizations.
Patients with a history of urethral catheterization, voiding dysfunction and recurrent urinary tract infections must be evaluated for the presence of a urethral stricture. Urethral dilatation and periodical catheterization is a minimally invasive and effective way of treatment and appears to be one of the best treatment options especially in geriatric patients with a high morbidity risk due to major surgery.
Keywords : Urethra; Urethral Stricture; Female; Aged; Dilatation