What type of surgical procedure primarily utilizes dilators?

Dilators are instruments specifically designed to gradually widen an opening or cavity in the body, making them especially useful in certain types of procedures. In urological procedures, dilators are commonly employed during the placement of urinary catheters, the dilation of strictures in the urethra, or the treatment of conditions like bladder outlet obstruction. The controlled dilation helps in minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues and allows for access to the urinary tract.

In contrast, while plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and cardiac surgery have their own specialized tools and instruments, they do not primarily rely on dilators to achieve their procedural outcomes. Plastic surgery focuses more on reconstruction and cosmetic enhancement, orthopedic surgery involves the repair of bones and joints, and cardiac surgery centers around the heart and major vessels, often utilizing different types of clamps, scissors, and suturing techniques specific to those areas. Therefore, the use of dilators is distinctly characteristic of urological procedures, where achieving the necessary access and dilation is critical for effective treatment.