Urethral stricture following cardiac surgery: a prospective study.

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%.