Urethroplasty is a surgical reconstruction of the urethra, performed to treat urethral strictures — narrowings caused by scar tissue that obstruct the flow of urine. It is considered the gold standard treatment for long-term cure of urethral stricture disease.
Who Needs ?
- Urethral strictures causing difficulty in urination
- Recurrent stricture after failed dilations or urethrotomy
- Long strictures (typically >1–2 cm)
- Trauma-related urethral injury
- History of catheter-induced damage, infections, or inflammatory conditions (like lichen sclerosus)
How the Procedure Works:
- Diagnosis & Planning
- Excision and Primary Anastomosis
- Substitution Urethroplasty (Graft or Flap)
- Post-Op
Advantages:
- High success rate (80–95%)
- Long-term cure (better than repeated endoscopic treatments)
- Improved urinary flow and quality of life
- Avoids lifelong dependence on dilations or catheterizations
Limitations / Risks:
- Bleeding or infection
- Recurrence of stricture (rare but possible)
- Erectile dysfunction (rare)
- Oral discomfort if buccal graft is used
- Longer recovery than simple urethrotomy