Abstract
Introduction: Although radiographic retrograde uretrography has traditionally been the gold standard for
imaging the urethra, sonourethrography and MR urethrography have proved to be precise and effective for
evaluating urethral stricture.
Materials and Methods: Except for radiologic methods, urethroscopy and cysto-urethroscopy by
cystostomy tract are, at the same time, most effective diagnostic methods that are used in evaluation of
urethral strictures.
Retrograde urethrography is performed by injecting a contrast into the external meatus and obtaining
radiographs in oblique projection to visualize whole urethra. If properly performed contrast medium can be
seen jetting through the Bladder neck into the bladder. Voiding urethrography is usually performed after the
bladder is filled via a transurethral or suprapubic catheter. After the transurethral catheter is withdrawn the
patient voids under roentgen and spot radiographs of the bladder and urethra are obtained.
Ultrasonography of the anterior urethra offers a dynamic three-dimensional study that can be easily
repeated without ionizing radiation to the gonads. During the examination, the entire anterior urethra is
distended by constant, slow injection of saline via in an irrigation syringe. And it can be selected as static or
dynamic images for documentation.
The anatomic details of both the urethra and periurethral tissues can be evaluated noninvasively with
magnetic resonance (MR) imaging; this modality can be used as an adjunctive modality tool for evaluation of
urethral strictures.
Urethroscopy and cysto-urethroscopy by cystostomy tract are very important methods which determine
number, localization and length of strictures. If they are performed simultaneously by adding rectal
examination, it will give us information about stricture length. It is helpful how kind operation will be planed.
We review the methods retrograde urethrogrphy, voiding urethrography, sonourethrograpy and MR
urethrography for evaluation of post traumatic urethral stricture.
Results: Sonourethrography measures stricture length in the anterior urethra as well as conventional
urethrography and it is useful for evaluating corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum. MR imaging is also
useful for defining short strictures and better visualization of periurethral tissue and pelvic anatomy.
Urethroscopy and cystoscopy from cystostomy tract is very important diagnostic methods in evaluation of
urethral stricture disease.
Conclusion: Sonourethrography is useful for imaging anterior urethra as well as conventional
urethrography. This technique can be more useful combining with conventional urethrography. MR
urethrography is a new method for defining urethral strictures. But also has advantages imaging for pelvic
anatomy and periurethral tissues.
Urethroscopy and cystoscopy from cystostomy tract must be done before operation in order to evaluate
the stricture and to plan kind of operation.