Urethral Stricture

Urethroplasty Surgery in India - Procedure, Benefits and Recovery

Urethroplasty is an operation to repair a narrowed section of the urethra, known as a stricture. This short explains what causes a stricture and how it is treated.

Understanding urethral strictures

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

• Common causes. Strictures can result from injury, infection, or previous medical procedures like catheterisation. Sometimes, the cause is not known.
• Typical symptoms. You may experience a weak or spraying urine stream, straining to urinate, or a feeling that your bladder is not empty after you have finished.
• Diagnosis. A diagnosis is usually confirmed with tests that measure urine flow and imaging studies that show the urethra, such as a urethrogram.

The urethroplasty procedure

The goal of surgery is to remove or widen the narrowed section to restore normal urine flow.

• Surgical techniques. The surgeon may remove the stricture and rejoin the ends of the urethra. For longer strictures, a graft of tissue, often from the inside of the cheek, may be used to widen the channel.
• Anaesthesia. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the operation.
• After surgery. A urinary catheter is usually left in place for two to four weeks to allow the repair to heal. Your surgeon will advise on how long it needs to stay in.
• Recovery period. A hospital stay of a few days is typical. You will be given instructions on managing the catheter and restricting certain activities during your recovery at home.

The best surgical approach for a urethral stricture is decided on a case-by-case basis. Suitability for urethroplasty depends on a specialist's review of your medical history, reports, and recent imaging.