Urethral Stricture

What is Urethral Stricture?

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra caused by the formation of scar tissue, which occurs due to inflammation or trauma. As the urethra becomes narrower, urine cannot flow freely from the bladder. Depending on the severity of the narrowing, patients may experience mild urinary symptoms or complete difficulty in passing urine.

A urethral stricture can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually over time. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and improves treatment results.

What Are the Common Causes of Urethral Stricture?

The inner lining of the urethra can become damaged due to injury, infection, inflammation or previous medical procedures like catheterization or instrumentation. As the tissue heals, scar tissue may develop, reducing the normal diameter of the urethra and restricting urine flow.

Several conditions can lead to the formation of a urethral stricture, including:

• Previous urinary catheterization
• Injury to the pelvis or urethra
• Previous urological surgery
• Previous Endoscopic procedures involving the urethra
• urinary tract infections
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Inflammation of the urethra (urethritis)
• Previous prostate surgery
• Radiation therapy involving the pelvic region
• Congenital abnormalities (rare)

What Are the Symptoms of Urethral Stricture?

Symptoms may develop gradually and often worsen over time. Common symptoms include:

• Weak urine stream
• Difficulty in passing urine
• Straining during urination
• Slow or prolonged urination
• Spraying or split urine stream
• Frequent urination
• Urgency to pass urine
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation of urinary bladder
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Sudden inability to pass urine (urinary retention), which requires immediate medical attention

Not every patient experiences all of these symptoms. Some people may notice only a gradually weakening urine stream for several months before seeking medical advice.

How Is Urethral Stricture Diagnosed?

To diagnose a urethral stricture, urologist will ask about your symptoms, review your medical history and perform a physical examination. Depending on your condition, one or more of the following tests may be recommended:

• Urine tests: To check for infection.
• Uroflowmetry (urine flow test): Measures the speed and strength of urine flow.
• Ultrasound: May be used to assess the kidneys, bladder and the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.
• Retrograde urethrogram (RGU): A specialized X-ray that helps identify the location, length, and severity of the urethral stricture.
• Micturating cystourethrogram (MCU): May be recommended in selected cases to evaluate the bladder and urethra during urination.
• Cystoscopy (Rigid or Flexible) : A thin instrument is passed through the urethra to directly examine the narrowed area and the bladder.

These investigations help urologist determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the location and severity of the stricture.

The treatment of urethral stricture is of 2 types.

• Management of Urethral Stricture
• Definitive Treatment

Management modalities are:-

Urethral Dilatation:

This is a minimally invasive procedure in which special instruments are used to gently widen the narrowed part of the urethra. It may provide relief in selected patients, although the stricture can sometimes recur.

Internal Urethrotomy (Optical Urethrotomy) / Holmium Laser Stricturotomy

Internal urethrotomy, also known as Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU), is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to treat selected urethral strictures. A small incision is made in the scar tissue using a specialized instrument to widen the narrowed part of the urethra and improve urine flow.

This procedure is generally recommended for short urethral strictures. In some patients, the narrowing may recur over time and additional treatment may be required.

Urethral Stent Placement

In selected cases, a small stent may be placed to help keep the urethra open. However, stents are used less commonly today because they may be associated with long-term complications.

Below is the definitive treatment for Urethral Stricture:-

Urethroplasty

Urethroplasty is a reconstructive surgery used for long, complex or recurrent strictures. The narrowed section of the urethra is repaired or reconstructed, sometimes using tissue grafts. It offers the best long-term success for many patients.

How Is Recovery After Urethral Stricture Treatment?

Recovery depends on the type of treatment performed. Most patients notice an improvement in urine flow after the procedure.

During recovery:

• A urinary catheter may be kept in place for a short period to allow proper healing.
• Medicines may be prescribed to relieve pain and prevent infection.
• Drinking plenty of fluids and following your doctor’s advice can support recovery.
• Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor healing and check for recurrence of the stricture.

Why Choose R P Stone Clinic for Urethral Stricture Treatment?

R P Stone Clinic has been providing advanced urological care for decades and offers early diagnosis and expert treatment for a wide range of urinary tract disorders.

Dr. Pawan K. Gupta is a senior urologist and kidney stone specialist with more than 45 years of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of urological conditions. He established R P Stone Clinic in 1991 with the aim of providing advanced and patient-centred urological care.

Over the years, he has introduced several modern minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of urinary tract disorders and kidney stones. He is widely recognized as a pioneer of Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) in India, having introduced Flexible Ureteroscopy in 1998. R P Stone Clinic is equipped with modern diagnostic and endoscopic equipment to provide complete urological care under one roof.

For expert urethral stricture treatment in Panipat, consult Dr. Pawan K. Gupta at R P Stone Clinic, Panipat, Haryana. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can restore normal urine flow, relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.