Urethral stricture surgery

We might recommend a number of tests to determine the cause, location and length of the urethral stricture, including:

• Urinalysis — looks for signs of infection, blood or cancer in your urine
• Urinary flow test — measures the strength and amount of urine flow
• Urethral ultrasound — evaluates the length of the stricture
• Pelvic ultrasound — looks for the presence of urine in your bladder after urination
• Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — assesses whether your pelvic bone is affecting or is affected by your condition
• Retrograde urethrogram — uses X-ray images to check for a structural problem or injury of the urethra as well as the length and location of the stricture along the urethra
• Cystoscopy — examines your urethra and bladder using a thin, tubelike device fitted with a lens (cystoscope) to view these organs

• Catheterization. Inserting a small tube (catheter) into your bladder to drain urine is the usual first step for treating urine blockage.
• Dilation. We can insert a tiny wire through the urethra and into the bladder. Progressively larger dilators pass over the wire to gradually increase the size of the urethral opening.
• Urethroplasty. This involves surgically removing the narrowed section of your urethra or enlarging it. The procedure might also involve reconstruction of the surrounding tissues. Tissues from other areas of the body, such as your skin or mouth, may be used as a graft during reconstruction. The recurrence of urethral stricture after a urethroplasty is low.
• Endoscopic urethrotomy. This surgical procedure offers a faster recovery, minimal scarring and less risk of infection, although recurrence is possible.
• Implanted stent or permanent catheter. If you have a severe stricture and choose not to have surgery, you may opt for a permanent artificial tube (stent) to keep the urethra open, or a permanent catheter to drain the bladder.

Dr Pradeep Bansal is highly skilled urologists at Fortis healthcare, Gurgaon. He has vast experience in performing both minimally invasive and reconstructive surgical techniques to treat urethral stricture disease.