Urethral Dilation

Abstract

Urethral dilation is a procedure by which the urethral diameter is expanded by passage of sequentially larger sounds or dilators. Today, its main indication is for male stricture disease and is typically reserved for the setting of catheter placement or to allow for cystoscopy. It should not be used as definitive treatment of male stricture disease, as it will typically return after dilation alone. This is better suited to optical urethrotomy or urethroplasty. In addition it is no longer routinely recommended for women. Regardless of how it is done, the patient usually requires a period of catheterization afterwards. Here, the procedure discussed will entail dilation over a guidewire. Although dilation with filiforms and followers has historically been used, we do not recommend it unless the stricture is definitely confined to the penile urethra or fossa navicularis.