[Endoscopically "impassable" urethral stenosis. Catheterization under fluoroscopic guidance. Apropos of 11 cases]

In eleven patients with impassable urethral stenoses, we attempted retrograde catheterisation with an angiographic guide under fluoroscopic control. The stenosis was able to be negotiated with the guide in 10 cases (91% success). After dilatation by dilators (coaxial or rigid) or by Olbert's angioplasty balloon, we were able to introduce a Foley catheter into the bladder. The only failure was caused by a very marked separation of the two ends of the urethra due to trauma. This simple and effective method constitutes an alternative to immediate surgical treatment of endoscopically impassable urethral stenoses.