title: Optical valvulotomy for urethral valves using a hook-blade cold knife.
abstract: Endoscopic disruption of urethral valves remains a mainstay of the pediatric urologic armamentarium. We describe transurethral optical valvulotomy using a hook-blade cold knife as a safer alternative to valve resection using a wire loop electrode. This technique offers precise control of the resection process and freedom from inadvertent injury to the urethra or sphincter due to a "hot" electrode.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Bellinger
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014521:Urethra / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D014572:Urology / Q000295:instrumentation*