OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy of urethral dilatation with the renal sheath dilator under the ureteroscope in the treatment of male patients with urethrostenosis.

METHODSEighteen male patients with urethrostenosis underwent urethral dilatation with the renal sheath dilator. Under the ureteroscope, a zebra-guide wire was inserted through the stenosed urethra into the bladder and the stenosis was gradually dilated with the renal sheath dilator, followed by placing a Foley catheter of proper size for 1-4 weeks. For children, the renal sheath dilator was selected according to their age, while for adults, metal dilators (> or = F20) were used following dilatation with the F18 renal sheath dilator. All the patients were followed up for 6-24 months.

RESULTSThe operation was successfully performed in all the 18 cases, with no urethral false passage, urethral perforation or urethra tearing. Sixteen of the patients were cured, and the other 2 received urethroplasty for stenosis recurrence. The maximum flow rate was increased to 13.6-30.2 (18.1 +/- 3.5) mL/s after the operation.

CONCLUSIONUrethral dilatation with the renal sheath dilator under the ureteroscope is a simple, safe and effective method for the treatment of urethrostenosis.