Urethral Stricture

Types of Urethroplasty in India - Different Surgical Techniques Explained

Urethroplasty is surgery to repair a narrowing of the urethra, called a stricture. This short explains the main types of surgery a specialist may consider.

What is a urethral stricture

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This is caused by scar tissue.

• Common symptoms. You may notice a slow or spraying urine stream, difficulty starting urination, or a feeling that your bladder is not completely empty.
• Possible causes. Strictures can result from previous injury, infection, or medical procedures. In some cases, the cause is not known.
• Diagnosis. Diagnosis usually involves imaging tests, such as a retrograde urethrogram, and sometimes a camera inspection of the urethra (cystoscopy).

Common types of urethroplasty

The surgical technique used depends on the length, location, and severity of the stricture.

• Anastomotic urethroplasty. For short strictures, the surgeon may remove the scarred section and join the two healthy ends of the urethra. This is also called excision and primary anastomosis (EPA).
• Graft urethroplasty. For longer strictures, a piece of tissue (a graft) is used to widen the narrowed segment. This tissue is often taken from the inside of the cheek (buccal mucosa).
• Flap urethroplasty. In this procedure, a flap of nearby skin is used to reconstruct the narrowed part of the urethra. This is a less common technique.
• Staged urethroplasty. For very complex or long strictures, the repair may be done in two or more separate operations, usually several months apart.

How a surgeon chooses the right procedure

• Stricture details. The length and exact location of the stricture are the most important factors in deciding the surgical approach.
• Previous treatments. If you have had prior surgeries or procedures for the stricture, this will influence the surgeon's plan.
• Your general health. Your overall fitness for surgery is always considered when planning the operation.

The most suitable type of urethroplasty can only be determined by a specialist. A final recommendation depends on a detailed review of your medical history, examination, and recent imaging reports.