CLEAN INTERMITENT CATHETIRISATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF URETHRAL STRICTURES

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare clean intermittent self-catheterisation and urethral dilatation with sounds
in the management of recurrent urethral strictures.
Design: A prospective randomised control trial between repeated urethral dilatation with sounds and
use of clean intermittent self-catheterisation in the management of recurrent urethral strictures.
Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital, urology clinics.
Subjects: Forty nine patients with recurrent urethral strictures were randomised between clean
intermittent catheterisation (CISC) and urethral dilatation with sounds.
Results: The urinary flow rates were better in patients on the CISC arm compared to the dilatation
arm. Seventy three percent of patients having clutton sounds dilatation developed urinary tract
infections compared to 25% of those on CISC. The patients in the CISC arm had a uniformly higher
quality of life score than those having sounds dilatation of the urethra.
Conclusion: Clean intermittent self-catheterisation is an effective and safe way of managing
recurrent urethral strictures. It is a better method than repeated clutton sounds dilatation.