A controlled trial of otis urethrotomy

Otis urethrotomy is an empirical procedure when used in the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection and the urethral syndrome. Sixty-four female patients were randomised into two treatment groups. One group had cystoscopy alone and the other cystoscopy and Otis urethrotomy. The patients were assessed pre-operatively and at 6 weeks after surgery both symptomatically and by urodynamic testing. There was no significant difference in the results obtained in the two groups. We conclude that Otis urethrotomy has no advantage in the routine treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.