Strictures in the urethra are abnormal narrowing or constriction in the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The causes of strictures are varied, and they can affect people of all ages and genders.
Causes:
- Trauma to the urethra, such as from an injury or catheterization
- Infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urethral infections
- Inflammatory conditions, such as urethritis or balanitis
- Previous surgery or radiation treatment in the pelvic area
- Cancer in the
- urethra or nearby tissues
- Congenital abnormalities or genetic conditions
Symptoms:
- Difficulty urinating or reduced urine flow
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Incontinence or leaking urine
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary tract infections
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of a urethral stricture is typically made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests, including:
- Urinalysis and culture to rule out infections
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays(RGU MCU)
- Urethroscopy is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera to examine the urethra and determine the location and severity of the stricture
- Treatment:
Treatment options for urethral strictures depend on the severity and location of the stricture, as well as the patient’s overall health and other medical conditions. Some common treatments include:
Dilation, in which the stricture is stretched with a series of graduated tubes or dilators Optical Urethrotomy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small knife to cut through the stricture. Suitable for Very short New stricture cases which are carefully selected. Has high failure rate if done for Long strictures, recurrent stricture cases.
Urethroplasty, a more extensive surgical procedure that involves removing the affected area and reconstructing the urethra. Latest and best outcome are achieved with Buccal graft Urethroplasty. Other option include anastomotic Urethroplasty and Tunica Albuginea Urethroplasty.
Endoscopic procedures, such as laser ablation or stenting, which can be used to treat strictures that are difficult to reach with other methods
Prevention:
Preventing strictures in the urethra may not always be possible, but some steps that can help reduce the risk include:
- Practicing safe sex to reduce the risk of STIs
- Treating any infections or inflammatory conditions promptly
- Avoiding unnecessary trauma or injury to the pelvic area
- Following proper catheterization procedures if catheterization is necessary
- Seeking medical care promptly if any symptoms of a urethral stricture develop.