Urodynamic assessment of women with urethral syndrome

43 women with urethral syndrome were investigated. A full urologic, gynecologic and urodynamic assessment was carried out. In 27 women an obstruction was demonstrated by urodynamic and other parameters. Two types of obstruction were seen: the first one occurred mainly in postmenopausal women. Here, a narrow distal segment of the urethra was noted. These women responded well to dilatation and external urethroplasty. The second type of obstruction was mainly seen in younger women. The cause was an incomplete relaxation or spasm of the external striated sphincter. This dysfunction was caused by various disorders like local inflammation, colpitis, etc. Dilatation and urethroplasty did not cure all patients of this group. Other causes of symptoms were instability and atony of the detrusor. In some women the cause for their symptoms and recurrent urinary infection could not be found.