Endourethral urethroplasty--use of a new catheter

Abstract

Endourethral split skin grafting following visual internal urethrotomy was done successfully in 7 selected patients with stricture of the bulbomembranous urethra. Open substitution or anastomotic urethroplasty might otherwise have been necessary in these patients. The technique involves the use of a specially designed double balloon catheter, in which the second balloon, when distended, keeps the split skin graft in close opposition with the urethral raw area. This function ensures a near 100 per cent graft take, keeps the strictured area wide open and allows early ambulation of the patient, since no perineal compression dressing is required.