Urologist in Chennai | Robotic Urologist in India | Chennai Urology
The urethra is the opening that allows the passage of urine from the bladder. Urethral stricture refers to narrowing of the urethra. Any inflammation of urethra can result in scarring, which then can lead to a stricture or a narrowing of the urethra.
Causes of urethral stricture
- Trauma from injury or accidents with damage to the urethra
- Pelvic fracture
- Previous procedures like cystoscopy
- Previous history of catheterization involving the urethra
- Previous prostate surgery
- Infections of the urethra mainly sexually transmitted disease
Previous surgery for hypospadias (a congenital birth defect in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis instead of the tip)
Urethral stricture may
- Asymptomatic (no trouble)
- Mild discomfort
- Complete blockage leading to retention of urine
Treatment
- Dilatation of urethra
- Optical or visual internal urethrotomy
- Open urethral reconstruction.
- Urethral stent
Prevention
In general urethral stricture is not preventable as most common causes are related to injury, trauma, instrumentation, or unpreventable medical conditions.
Urethral stricture from sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented by safe sex.