Overview
Urethroplasty is a reconstructive treatment for urethral narrowing caused by scar tissue. Depending on the location, length and severity of the stricture, reconstruction may involve removal of the narrowed segment or augmentation using tissue grafts such as buccal mucosa.
Common Symptoms
Weak urine stream, difficulty urinating, straining, spraying of urine, prolonged urination, recurrent urinary infections and urinary retention.
Possible Causes
Trauma, previous catheterization, urinary instrumentation, infection, previous urethral surgery and inflammatory conditions.
Diagnosis
Evaluation may include uroflowmetry, post-void residual measurement, urethroscopy and urethrography to determine the location and length of the stricture.
Treatment & Procedures
The narrowed urethral segment is reconstructed using an appropriate surgical technique. Selected strictures may be repaired directly, while longer or complex strictures may require tissue grafting.
Recovery & Follow-up
A catheter is generally kept temporarily while the reconstruction heals. Follow-up evaluates urinary flow and monitors for recurrence.
Benefits
Reconstructs the narrowed urethra, can provide durable improvement in urinary flow and treats the underlying scar in appropriately selected patients.