title: Guide wire-assisted urethral dilatation for urethral strictures in pediatric urology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to report the results of 32 cases of dilatation of urethral stricture using a guide wire and sheath dilator technique supplemented by clean intermittent catheterization if further stabilization of the urethral stricture was felt warranted.
  
  
  METHODS
  The procedure involves insertion of a straight flexi-tip lubricated guide wire through the urethral stricture under cystoscopic guidance followed by insertion of a series of sheath dilators. Dilatation was followed by insertion of a Foley catheter, which was left in situ for 1 to 3 days. Patients underwent repeat cystoscopy to evaluate the urethra for recurrent stricture and those with a recalcitrant stricture were commenced on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to stabilize the narrowing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-two patients were included. They have been followed up for up to 2(1/2) years after their last cystoscopy (mean, 16 months). Thirteen of 32 patients had more than 4 dilatations under anesthesia. Twelve patients had undergone CIC postoperatively. Complications included a urinary tract infection in 3 boys and bladder spasms in one. No false passage or sepsis occurred with this approach.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Guide wire-assisted urethral dilatation helps avoid risks associated with blind dilatation techniques and appears to be a safe and simple alternative for management of urethral strictures in pediatric urology.
authors.affiliation: Urology Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Dewan
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gotov
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chiang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004106:Dilatation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000628:therapy*