Urethroplasty

Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure performed to treat urethral strictures, which are narrow or blocked areas in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethral strictures can cause a range of symptoms, including difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, frequent urination, urinary tract infections, and urinary retention. Urethroplasty is considered the gold standard treatment for complex or long urethral strictures and aims to restore the normal function and structure of the urethra.

During a urethroplasty procedure, the patient is placed under general or spinal anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the surgery. The specific technique employed depends on factors such as the location and length of the urethral stricture, as well as the surgeon's preference and expertise. The most common approaches include excision and primary anastomosis, which involves removing the narrowed section of the urethra and directly reconnecting the healthy ends to create a wider passage for urine flow. Another technique is a buccal mucosal graft, where a small piece of tissue from the inner cheek (buccal mucosa) is used to reconstruct the narrowed urethra, particularly for long or complex strictures. Johansen's urethroplasty may be performed for longer strictures, involving a small scrotal incision to access the urethra, with excision of the narrowed segment and subsequent reconnection of the healthy ends or graft placement. Additionally, a penile skin flap technique can be utilised for strictures located in the penile urethra, using a portion of penile skin to reconstruct the narrowed urethra and restore normal function. The choice of technique is based on the individual case and the surgeon's expertise. Anaesthesia ensures patient comfort, and the goal of urethroplasty is to improve urinary function and relieve symptoms associated with urethral strictures. Following the surgery, a catheter is usually placed in the urethra to allow for urine drainage while the repaired area heals. The catheter is typically removed after a few weeks, depending on the individual case. The recovery period can vary, but most patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual's healing process.

Urethroplasty has high success rates, with the majority of patients experiencing significant improvement in urinary function and relief from symptoms. Regular follow-up appointments with the urologist are essential to monitor the healing process and ensure long-term success.At MASSH, our team of experienced urological surgeons specialises in urethroplasty and provides personalised care for patients with urethral strictures. We utilise advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Our dedicated team will guide you through the entire treatment process, from the initial evaluation and diagnosis to the post-operative care and follow-up.

If you have been diagnosed with a urethral stricture and are considering urethroplasty as a treatment option, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at MASSH. Our knowledgeable team will assess your condition, discuss the procedure in detail, and develop a personalised treatment plan to address your condition.