Urethroscopic Management of Iatrogenic Urethral Injuries

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate results of urethroscopic management of iatrogenic urethral injuries due to gynecological operations. Materials and Methods: From November 2001 till November 2003, 12 iatrogenic urethral injuries which were managed with mean time 12 hours (Range= 6-72) after gynecological operations were included in this study. 3 months after urethroscopy and distending, patients were evaluated with IVP. Mean time of clinical follow up was 12 months (range= 4-29). Results: 7 patients with urethral stricture were found and considering fluoroscopy guided urethral dilatation with balloon in 2 of them, urethroscopy and distending was successful in 6 patients (85/7%). In 5 patients with complete dissection of urethra, urethroscopy and distending was successful only in 1 of them (20%). All patients were discharged after 24 hours and in follow up IVP after 3 months. Results were satisfactory in 6 of 7 patients. One of patients needed re-distending due to stricture. Conclusion: Urethroscopic approach as first step in management of iatrogenic urethral injuries seems reasonable and cost benefit, specially in ligating lesions.