CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS
Understanding urethral narrowing
A urethral stricture is the narrowing of the small tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside world. If the urethra becomes blocked, urine cannot flow easily, and it can make going to the bathroom difficult. This is referred to as urethral stricture disease, and it can happen to both men and women.
What causes urethral stricture disease?
Urethral stricture disease is often caused by scar tissue in the urethra, which can develop after infection, trauma, or injury. The most common cause for urethral trauma is a pelvic fracture, usually resulting from a car accident or straddle injury. A urethral stricture can also form after the placement of a Foley catheter or surgery performed on the prostate. Patients with a history of sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can also experience urethral stricture disease.
What are the symptoms of urethral stricture disease?
People who develop urethral stricture disease may experience a range of symptoms from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Poor urinary flow or urinary dribbling
- Discomfort during urination
- Urgency or frequency with urination
- Split urinary stream
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Difficulty emptying the bladder with possible need for a catheter
How is a urethral stricture diagnosed?
As an expert urologist, Dr. Ashorobi performs a variety of evaluations and tests to diagnose stricture disease, which may include imaging studies like an X-ray to map the course of your urethra and direct visualization of your urinary tract.
How is urethral stricture disease treated?
There are non-surgical and surgical options available depending on the severity of the condition:
- Non-surgical options: Urethral dilation is the simplest option and can help patients in the short term. However, it is often a temporary fix and should not be performed repeatedly as it can lead to further scar tissue formation within the urethra.
- Surgical options: The gold standard for treatment is a urethroplasty. During this outpatient procedure, the expert surgeon removes the scar tissue and reconstructs the urethra, providing the most durable, long-term results so patients can return home the same day.