Radiology, Vol 180, 443-445, Copyright © 1991 by Radiological Society of North America
Autourethrography
DM Kirshy, AH Pollack, JA Becker and M Horowitz
Department of Radiology, State University of New York, Brooklyn 11203.
"Autourethrography," a technique of retrograde urethrography in which the
patient injects the contrast material, was used on 22 patients. The results
of the study were compared with the results of nonemergency retrograde
urethrography performed on 22 patients during an earlier 1- year period.
The following observations of the autourethrography group were made.
Patient tolerance was enhanced, with less discomfort and anxiety. There was
no extravasation of contrast material outside the urethra, compared with
extravasation in three of 22 patients (14%) in the control group for whom
conventional techniques were used. Retrograde opacification of the
posterior urethra was achieved in 20 of 22 patients (91%) in the
autourethrography group, compared with 13 of 22 patients (59%) in the
control group. Radiation exposure to the examining radiologist was
eliminated. Autourethrography is a technique that has important benefits
for both the radiologist and the patient.
