Despite reviewing 39 eligible trials, few firm conclusions could be reached because of the multiple comparisons considered, the small size of individual trials, and their low quality. Whether or not to use a particular policy is usually a trade-off between the risks of morbidity (especially infection) and risks of recatheterisation.
Visual internal urethrotomy. A prospective controlled trial comparing the results after 3 versus 28 days of postoperative catheterisation.
In a randomized trial, treatment of urethral stricture by direct visual internal urethrotomy with 3 days of postoperative catheterisation was found to be sufficient, given minimal complications, and had a cure rate of 85% after 6 months and 80% after 1 year follow-up. The postoperative follow-up should not include urethrography, but patient's statement and maximal urinary flow rate might be adequate.