title: Female urethral dilation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this manuscript is to review the subject of urethral dilation (UD) in female patients and to conduct a critical appraisal of the available evidence for its use.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used an online search of electronic databases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  UD has been cited as a treatment option for various conditions that do not share common etiologies and that affect the lower urinary tract in female patients. Outcome measurement was not consistent, even when performed for the same conditions. A total of six randomized controlled trials failed to prove any benefit for UD in repetitive urinary tract infections (UTI), urethral syndrome, and overactive bladder.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Conflicting results and diverse opinions have characterized the use of UD until present time. Professional societies are urged to attend to this issue, and to identify possible areas where UD could be potentially investigated.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. tb14@aub.edu.lb
authors: Tony
authors: T
authors: Bazi
authors: Gael
authors: G
authors: Abou-Ghannam
authors: Raja
authors: R
authors: Khauli
mesh_terms: D004106:Dilatation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014521:Urethra / Q000473:pathology*; D014524:Urethral Obstruction / Q000628:therapy; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000628:therapy; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000628:therapy; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000628:therapy; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000628:therapy