34 girls aged 3-12 years (mean age 7 years) with vesicoureteric reflux and 'distal urethral stenosis' were treated operatively by Otis' urethrotomy. They were investigated clinically and radiologically with regard to urinary tract infection, renal growth and scarring. At the end of the observation period, urinary tract infection was still present in 21%, vesico-ureteric reflux in 26%, decreased renal length in 15% and renal scarring in 23%. Compared to antibiotic therapy, Otis' urethrotomy gives no better results in curing infections or reflux or preventing renal scars.