Urethral Stricture: Symptoms and Reconstructive Surgery Options

A urethral stricture can make even a simple act like urination painful and difficult. Dr. Saurabh Singh, Urologist and Reconstructive Surgeon in Kanpur, explains this condition and how it is treated.

What Is a Urethral Stricture?

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, caused by scar tissue. This narrowing restricts urine flow and can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Common Causes

• Injury or trauma to the pelvic area
• Previous catheter use
• Past urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections
• Previous surgery on the urethra or prostate
• In some cases, no clear cause is identified

Symptoms to Watch For

• Weak or split urine stream
• Straining to urinate
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Pain while urinating
• In severe cases, complete inability to urinate

How It Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically involves a uroflowmetry test to measure urine flow, along with imaging studies such as a retrograde urethrogram, which helps pinpoint the exact location and length of the stricture.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and length of the stricture. Options range from minimally invasive dilation or endoscopic procedures for short strictures, to urethroplasty, a reconstructive surgery, for longer or recurrent strictures. Urethroplasty offers the most durable long-term results for appropriate cases.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Untreated strictures can worsen over time, leading to urinary retention, infections and kidney problems. Early evaluation allows for simpler treatment options and better outcomes.