- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
- (219) 286-6888
- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
Urethral stricture usually refers to scar tissue formation within the urethra that may lead to narrowing of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside world). This narrowing usually leads to lower urinary tract symptoms such as slow urinary stream, urinary frequency, urgency, incomplete bladder emptying and/or urinary retention. It may also cause blood in the urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence and kidney injury.
Urethral stricture may form secondary to trauma, previous instrumentation and/or previous urinary tract infections including sexually transmitted infections.
Some of the most common symptoms of urinary stricture may include:
Diagnosis of urethral stricture relies on patient history, physical examination, urine and imaging studies.
Urinalysis is often used to check for urinary tract infections and blood in the urine.
Bladder Ultrasound may be used to measure post void residual volume. This lets the physician know if and to what degree you are emptying your bladder.
Cystourethroscopy (small camera introduced into the urethra and bladder) may be utilized as well to evaluate the entire course of the urethra and determine if urethral stricture exists.
A special X-ray called Retrograde Urethrogram may also be used to diagnose a stricture, as well as determine its length and location.
Uroflow or urine flow test may be performed as well. This test measures the rate of your urinary flow during urination.
Treatment of a urethral stricture will depend on many factors including its chronicity, etiology or its cause, location, severity, length and of course patient’s preference.
A urethral stricture can be dilated, incised or excised/removed. Urethral strictures in general have a high risk of recurrence, especially when they are only dilated or incised. A more invasive procedure with typically a higher rate of success is called an urethroplasty. Urethroplasty involves some form of reconstruction of the scarred portion of the urethra.
Sometimes urinary catheters (Foley catheter, suprapubic tube) may be used to bypass the obstruction or keep the urethra open during the healing process following surgical intervention, but this is generally considered a temporary solution.
Urethral stricture may form after pelvic or perineal trauma, history of sexually transmitted infections such as with chlamydia or gonorrhea, and after some form of urethral instrumentation such as a Foley catheter insertion or procedure such as a cystoscopy (camera that’s introduced inside the urethra).
Urethral strictures are fortunately not very common, but they are much more common in men compared to women.
We are dedicated to compassionate and comprehensive urologic care, offering you necessary and appropriate evaluations and treatments that you may need to feel and be healthy. With years of experience in urologic care, we are the team that you can trust.
Urologic Surgery of NWI is your source of reliable information and excellent urologic care in the region. We are here to answer all of your questions and take care of you like family. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.
We will work together to jointly find the best treatment plan for you. We respect your wishes and are here to empower you to make your own decisions regarding your health and well being. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
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