Retrograde pericatheter urethrogram for the post-operative evaluation of the urethra

Abstract

Pericatheter urethrogram (PUG) has been found to be a useful assessment tool after endoscopic urethral realignment or open urethroplasty prior to removal of the urethral catheter. Very little is known in the English literatures of the procedure of PUG in the evaluation of the urethra post-operatively. We aim to describe our technique of PUG and its usefulness in the evaluation of the urethra. We reviewed 22 patients who underwent PUG after endoscopic urethral realignment or urethroplasty over an 18 month period in our institution. The indications, procedure and success of PUG were noted. The radiological findings were also documented. The mean age of the patient was 31.9 years. Seventeen (77.3%) and 5 (22.7%) patients had PUG at least 3 weeks after endoscopic realignment of the urethra and urethroplasty for urethral strictures respectively. PUG was successful in all the patients and no complication arising from the procedure was recorded. The radiographs showed satisfactory urethral healing in 15 (68.2%), urethral stenosis in 2 (9.1%), contrast media extravasations in 8 (36.4%). We concluded that PUG allows for adequate urethral assessment and healing before the indwelling catheter is removed.