Urethroplasty (Stricture Urethra)

The urethra is the type of bladder through which urine passes into the bladder formed by the outside world where urine was stored. Urethral tract widening is classified as urethral strictures. Urethral strictures may mildly or seriously limit the flow of urine through the urethra

Causes of urethral strictures

These are generally triggered due to the presence of scar tissue or urethra inflammation. Harm to the urethra can be done by certain procedures that are conducted to look through the urethra into the bladder. Harm as well as damages to the urethra may also be induced by radiotherapy and unexpected falls etc. Urethra infection may be triggered by long-term catheter use or triggered by sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Sometimes, an infection may induce inflammation in or about the urethra tissues.

Inflammation in urethra tissues is normally healed by antibiotics, but it retains certain wound tissues that may contribute to strictures. People who are suffering from urethra cancer are at greater risk of having Urethral strictures.

Diagnosis

The doctor should take a peek at the patient’s medical background and signs. One or more of the following tests may be recommended to determine the exact location and duration of the stricture. He will also perform a patient’s physical exam.

• Urinalysis : This procedure is conducted in the urine to identify signs of bacteria, blood, or disease
• Ultrasound scan : Ultrasound scan is done to consider the strictures duration.
• Pelvic ultrasound : This examination is performed during urination to assess
• Cystoscopy : This is a type of examination that is designed to examine both the bladder and the urethra with the help of a tube-like device equipped with a lens that is used to view the above organs.
• Retrograde urethrogram : X-ray scans are used in this procedure to verify the urethra fractures or structural problems if any.

Treatment for urethral strictures

• Catheterization : This is a procedure designed to treat urethra strictures, in which a catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder for urine removal from the bladder. In the case of complete urine blockage, this is the first step. Some patients can perform self-catheterization which is simply inserting the catheter into the bladder through the urethra and removing the urine inside it.
• Urethroplasty : Urethroplasty is the clinical term for the operation performed by a few doctors to widen the urethra ‘s restricted parts. The advantage of this procedure is that in this procedure, the rate of recurrence of strictures is much less.
• Cystoscopy : Cystoscopy is a process in which an endoscope is implanted into the urethra and, with the assistance of certain specific instruments placed via the cystoscope, vaporization, or with the aid of lasers are extracted.
• Catheterization : This is a procedure designed to treat urethra strictures, in which a catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder for urine removal from the bladder. In the case of complete urine blockage, this is the first step. Some patients can perform self-catheterization which is simply inserting the catheter into the bladder through the urethra and removing the urine inside it.Urethroplasty : Urethroplasty is the clinical term for the operation performed by a few doctors to widen the urethra ‘s restricted parts. The advantage of this procedure is that in this procedure, the rate of recurrence of strictures is much less.Cystoscopy : Cystoscopy is a process in which an endoscope is implanted into the urethra and, with the assistance of certain specific instruments placed via the cystoscope, vaporization, or with the aid of lasers are extracted.