title: Urethral dilatation in women: urologists' practice patterns in the UK.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Review of the literature reveals little evidence to prove the efficacy of urethral dilatation for adult women with various lower urinary tract complaints. We conducted a postal survey to ascertain the actual practice of urethral dilatation among urologists in the UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was mailed to 428 consultant urologists listed as full members of the British Association of Urological Surgeons. The questionnaire consisted of 8 items about urologists' perception of indications, efficacy, and the need for repeated dilatation and anaesthesia.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The questionnaire response rate was 42%. Although urethral stenosis was the most common indication (97%), the majority of urologists (69%) indicated that fewer than 25% of patients had evidence of stenosis. Overall, 61% of urologists performed dilatation 7 times or more during the last year and 55% believed that less than half of the patients experienced long-term improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the lack of strong evidence to support the use of urethral dilatation in women, many urologists continue to find it a useful tool in approaching women with lower urinary tract complaints.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, UK. mmasaarane@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Masarani
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Willis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003253:Consultants; D004106:Dilatation / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000592:standards*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D014572:Urology / Q000592:standards*