Urethral Stricture Following Cardiac Surgery: a Prospective Study

Abstract

Summary— A prospective study was undertaken to assess the incidence of urethral stricture in 105 men undergoing coronary artery by‐pass grafting. A pre‐operative urological history was taken and peak urine flow rates measured before surgery, and 1 week and between 6 and 8 weeks after operation. All patients were catheterised in theatre with a standard type and size of urethral catheter and details recorded of the by‐pass time and the degree of hypothermia. Postoperative urological problems such as urethral discharge and haematuria were noted. In addition, 100 patients completed a postal questionnaire about urinary symptoms between 4 and 12 months after surgery. The overall incidence of urethral stricture was 2%.