Urethral strictures following cardiac surgery.

During the period July 1979 to December 1980 a series of urethral strictures developed following catheterisation for cardiac surgery in this hospital. Catheterisation was for monitoring purposes and the operation, in the majority of cases, was a coronary artery bypass graft procedure. The typical stricture extended along the anterior urethra as far as, but not including, the bulbous urethra. The presentation, diagnosis and subsequent management are outlined and possible aetiological factors are discussed.