Stricture Urethra
- By Dr Vikas Singh,
M.B.B.S., M.S., M.Ch.
Urologist, Genito Uro Oncologist and Kidney Transplant Surgeon,
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore.
A stricture urethra is a condition in which the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) becomes narrow, making it difficult or impossible to pass urine.
The stricture can occur due to several causes, including:
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Trauma: an injury to the urethra during pelvic trauma, catheterization, or surgery.
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Infection: bacterial or sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can cause inflammation and scarring in the urethra.
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Chronic disease: conditions like urethritis or prostatitis can lead to the formation of scar tissue and strictures.
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Congenital abnormalities: some people are born with a narrow urethra.
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Cancer or tumors: malignant growths can invade and obstruct the urethra.
Symptoms
Include a weak urine stream, difficulty starting and stopping urination, urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and complete blockage of urine flow. Treatment for a stricture urethra often involves dilating the stricture using a specialized instrument or undergoing surgery to repair the urethra. In severe cases, a urinary catheter may be required for a period of time to allow for healing.
It's important to consult a urologist for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Surgical Treatment
Stricture urethra is a medical condition in which the urethra narrows, resulting in difficulty in passing urine. Surgical intervention is usually required to correct the stricture and restore normal urethral function. Here are some of the different surgical operations for stricture urethra:
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Urethral Dilation(UD): This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the insertion of dilators or balloons into the urethra to gently stretch and widen the stricture.
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Optical Internal Urethrotomy (OUI): This procedure involves making a small incision into the stricture using a scope and cutting instruments. The incision is then dilated to allow urine to flow freely.
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BMG Urethroplasty: This is a reconstructive surgical procedure that involves removing the stricture and repairing the urethra with a patch of tissue taken from another part of the body, such as the inner thigh or the buccal mucosa.
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Endoscopic Realignment: This procedure involves the placement of a sling under the urethra to support it and prevent it from collapsing.
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Augmented Anastomosis: This procedure involves making an incision into the urethra and creating a new connection between the bladder and the urethra.
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Excision and Primary Anastomosis: This procedure involves removing the entire stricture and connecting the two ends of the urethra.
The choice of surgical operation will depend on the length and location of the stricture, as well as the overall health of the patient. In some cases, a combination of procedures may be recommended to achieve the best outcome.
It is important to consult with a urologist to determine the best course of action for treating a stricture urethra. The success rate of these procedures is generally high, but recovery time and potential complications will vary depending on the specific procedure performed.