Balloon dilatation of urethral strictures.

Balloon dilatation of the urethra in 9 male patients with either post-inflammatory or post-traumatic strictures was successfully performed. This procedure is primarily indicated in those patients with unsatisfactory results using conventional dilatation with metal sounds. A flexible endoscope was used for guide wire passage and fluoroscopic guidance for positioning the balloon and assuring complete dilatation of the urethral strictures or vesical neck contracture. In this manner, dilatation to 36 F can be performed in a relatively atraumatic manner with minimal discomfort.