URETHRAL STRICTURES

The urethra is a thin tube which carries the urine from the bladder.

A urethral stricture is the narrowing of the urethral lumen.

Causes

Urethral strictures can result from:

  • Injury after an accident
  • Traumatic catheterization
  • Inflammation
  • Surgical repair of congenital urethral anomalies
  • Skin diseases, e.g. Lichen Sclerosus (rarely)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is established with:

  • Urethroscopy: an endoscopic instrument is inserted through the urethra and helps in the direct viewing and detection of the stricture
  • Ascending urethrography: under ultrasound-guidance, a contrast agent is infused into the urethra via a small catheter. The test results help in the detection of any urethral strictures.
  • Uroflowmetry: it delivers a clear image of the urinary flow

Treatment

Treatment differs according to the grade and length of the stricture.

The following treatment options are available:

  • Urethral dilation
  • Optical urethrotomy
  • Urethroplasty