Traumatic posterior urethral injury and early realignment using magnetic ure-thral catheters

Purpose: The authors determined the success of early urethral realignment by using magnetic urethral catheters. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 13 patients with complete urethral disruption treated 0-11 days after injury with endourologic realignment by using coaxial magnetic urethral catheters. Results: Urethral realignment was established in 11 of the 13 patients (85%) by using magnetic urethral catheters. In the 10 patients for whom follow-up findings were available, urethral strictures developed in five (50%) a mean of 6.1 months after realignment, which necessitated a mean of 1.4 corrective procedures per patient. Impotence was noted in one of seven (14%) patients, and no urinary incontinence developed after realignment. Conclusion: Urethral realignment accomplished within 2 weeks of injury by using magnetic urethral catheters is a safe and simple technique that results in minimal morbidity. The stricture formation, impotence, and incontinence rates of this technique are comparable to those reported for delayed urethroplasty. The authors advocate early realignment with magnetic urethral sounds as an alternative treatment for traumatic urethral disruntion.