[Dilatation of the urethra by inflatable balloon catheter]

An inflatable balloon catheter of the Gruntzig type was used to dilate the urethra of 25 patients. The procedure involves atraumatic catheterization by a vascular catheter under televised urethroscopy, followed by introduction on a flexible guide of the balloon catheter which is then inflated. The stenosis is visible on the balloon and the rapidity with which it "yields" can readily be appreciated. Control of dilatation is effected by voiding urethrography. This method entails much less discomfort than conventional urethral dilatation. No complication was observed in this series. Stenosis recurred in 3 patients who subsequently underwent a second balloon dilatation.