Urethral Stricture Specialists in Karnataka
A urethral stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, caused by scar tissue formation that…
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What is Urethral Stricture?
A urethral stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, caused by scar tissue formation that restricts urine flow. It occurs almost exclusively in men due to the greater length of the male urethra and can develop gradually, leading to progressively worsening difficulty with urination. If left untreated, chronic strictures can lead to complications such as urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, and, in severe cases, kidney damage from back-pressure on the urinary system.
Moderate
Uncommon — affects a small percentage of men, more frequently those with a history of urethral trauma or instrumentation
No
Causes of Urethral Stricture
Most commonly results from scar tissue formed after injury to the urethra, such as from a straddle injury, pelvic fracture, prior catheterization, or urethral surgery. Other causes include sexually transmitted infections, particularly untreated gonorrhea, and inflammatory skin conditions affecting the genital area. Repeated instrumentation of the urethra during medical procedures also increases the risk of scarring.
Symptoms of Urethral Stricture
Weak or slow urinary stream, difficulty starting urination, straining to urinate, incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urination, urinary tract infections, spraying of the urine stream, in severe cases, complete inability to urinate
Treatment & Types of Urethral Stricture in Karnataka
Mild strictures may be treated with dilation, using instruments to gradually widen the narrowed segment, though this often provides only temporary relief. Urethrotomy, a minimally invasive procedure to cut the stricture internally, is commonly used, while more extensive or recurrent strictures often require urethroplasty, a reconstructive surgery to remove the scarred segment and rebuild the urethra, which offers the most durable long-term results.
Urethral strictures are classified by location along the urethra, since the treatment approach and success rate can differ between the bulbar, penile, and prostatic urethra, with the specific site influencing whether dilation, urethrotomy, or urethroplasty offers the best outcome. They are also classified by cause, as traumatic, from injury such as a straddle injury or pelvic fracture; iatrogenic, resulting from prior catheterization or urethral surgery; and inflammatory, resulting from infection such as untreated gonorrhea or inflammatory skin conditions affecting the genital area.
Urology Specialists in Karnataka (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do urethral strictures occur almost exclusively in men?
This condition occurs almost exclusively in men due to the greater length of the male urethra compared with the female urethra, which provides more length along which scar tissue can form and cause narrowing. This anatomical difference is the main reason the condition is rarely seen in women.
Is dilation a permanent fix for a urethral stricture?
Dilation, using instruments to gradually widen the narrowed segment, often provides only temporary relief since the scar tissue tends to reform, whereas urethroplasty, a reconstructive surgery to remove the scarred segment and rebuild the urethra, offers the most durable long-term results. The right approach depends on the stricture's length, location, and how many times it has recurred previously.
Can untreated infections cause urethral strictures?
Yes, sexually transmitted infections, particularly untreated gonorrhea, are a recognized cause of scarring that leads to urethral strictures, which is why prompt and appropriate treatment of these infections is an important preventive measure. Practicing safe sex also reduces the risk of this type of infection-related scarring.
What complications can develop if a urethral stricture is left untreated?
Chronic strictures can lead to complications such as urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, and in severe cases, kidney damage from back-pressure on the urinary system, making prompt evaluation of worsening urinary symptoms important. Progressive symptoms like a weakening urine stream shouldn't be dismissed as a normal part of aging without evaluation.
How can urethral strictures be prevented?
Prompt and appropriate treatment of sexually transmitted infections, careful technique during urinary catheterization to minimize trauma, and avoiding unnecessary urethral instrumentation all reduce risk. Prompt evaluation and treatment of any pelvic or straddle injuries is also important given their potential to cause this type of scarring.