Urethral overdilatation in females with lower urinary tract symptoms

The long-term results of using the Otis urethrotome as a dilator only in females with lower urinary tract symptoms are reported. Out of 103 patients, 80% were symptomatically improved or cured at initial follow up and this was maintained at 18 months in 62% of cases. Optimal, long-term results (78% improvement or cure) were obtained in the subgroup of patients who had recurrent urinary tract infections. The results compare favourably with those reported following urethrotomy. The advantages of urethral overdilatation are discussed.