Ineffectiveness of treatment of urethral syndrome in women.

Four hundred ninety-eight episodes of 150 women with female urethral syndrome (lower urinary tract symptoms without definite objective findings) were evaluated. Internal urethrotomy appeared less effective than cystoscopy and dilation. Office dilation with larger sounds appeared less effective than a 16 F sound. Antibacterials and anticholinergics showed no clear evidence of effectiveness.