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A urethral (u-REE-thrul) stricture involves scarring that narrows the tube that carries urine out of your body (urethra). A stricture restricts the flow of urine from the bladder and can cause a variety of medical problems in the urinary tract, including inflammation or infection.
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Urethral Stricture: Symptoms, Cause & Treatment
Urine is expelled from the body through the urethra, which is the primary function of this organ in both males and females. This delicate tube also plays a significant part in the ejaculatory process for males. A urethral stricture is a name given to the condition that occurs when a scar formed as a result of swelling, injury, or infection prevents or inhibits the flow of urine through this tube.
When a person has a urethral stricture, they may experience pain. Scarring in the urethra, which narrows the tube that takes urine out of the body, is what’s known as a urethral (u-REE-thrul) stricture (urethra).
A stricture is a narrowing of the tube that connects the bladder to the urethra, which slows or stops the flow of urine from the bladder and can lead to a range of medical issues in the urinary tract, such as inflammation or infection.
Causes of Urethral Stricture
Due to the length of their urethra, men are more likely to suffer from urethral diseases or injuries than women. For this reason, strictures are more common among men. They are quite uncommon in women and in young children.
Stricture, also known as a constriction of the urethra, can occur anywhere along the urethra, from the bladder all the way up to the tip of the penis. Because of this constriction, the flow of urine into the body is reduced or slowed down.
Some common causes are:
- Traumatic injury to the urethra
- Infections including sexually transmitted diseases
- Damage caused by surgical equipment
- Disorders that induce edoema
The following are the most common causes of urethral strictures in adults:
- A fall upon the scrotum or perineum could result in the need for prostate surgery.
- the removal of kidney stones,
- urinary catheterization, and
- various other surgical tools
Diagnosis Options
There are a number of tests available to assess whether or not a person has a urethral stricture, including the following:
- examination of the body
- urethral imaging (X-rays or ultrasound)
- urethroscopy (to see the inside of the urethra)
- retrograde urethrogram
Urethroscopy A small, bendable, lubricated scope (which is a little viewing instrument) is inserted into the urethra in a careful manner by the physician. It is brought to the forefront of the stricture. This gives the doctor a clear view of the restricted area. This is performed in the doctor’s office, and the results assist your physician to decide how best to treat the stricture.
Retrograde Urethrogram This test is used to figure out how many restrictions there are, where they are, how long they are, and how strict they are. This is an X-ray procedure done outside of a hospital. In this case, “retrograde” means “against the flow of urine.” At the tip of the penis, a fluid that can be seen on an X-ray is put into the urethra.
There are no needles or catheters used. With the dye, the doctor can see the whole urethra and can see where it is narrowed. It can be done in combination with an antegrade urethrogram (antegrade means “with the flow” of urine).
When the dye is put into the urethra from below, it fills up to where the injury is. When the dye is put in from above, it fills the bladder and urethra all the way to the stricture. Together, these tests help the doctor find the gap so he or she can plan for surgery.
This X-ray procedure may also be done after emergency care for urethral injuries. Through the catheter that was put in to help the body heal, the contrast dye can be injected.
Treatment Options
Depending on the extent of the obstruction and the amount of scar tissue that is involved, there are a variety of potential treatments.
Some treatments are as follows:
- dilation is the process of expanding the stricture by gradually stretching the tissue.
- urethrotomy is when the stricture is cut with a laser or knife through a scope.
- open surgery is when the stricture is surgically removed with reconnection and reconstruction, potentially with grafts (urethroplasty)
There is currently no medication on the market that can assist treat strictures.
If you do not receive therapy, you will still have difficulty voiding your bladder. Infections of the urinary tract or testicles, as well as stone formation, are possibilities. Additionally, there is a possibility of urinary retention, which refers to the inability to pass pee and may result in an enlarged bladder as well as difficulties with the kidneys.
Following the Treatment
You need to be monitored by a urologist following urethral stricture surgery because the condition can recur even after treatment. After the catheter has been removed, your primary care physician will want to do any necessary physical tests as well as X-rays on you.
Urethroscopy is a procedure that the doctor will occasionally use to inspect the repair. In some people, the stricture can come again, but they might not require any more therapy for it.
However, if it creates obstruction, treatment options include urethrotomy and dilatation of the urinary tract. When dealing with significant strictures that have returned, a second open surgery may be required.
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FAQs
What is the primary reason for urethral stricture in the majority of cases?
Inflammation that persists over time or injuries appears to be the most common cause. Scar tissue can slowly develop from the following: A wound to the penis or scrotum, as well as a straddle wound to the scrotum or perineum, might cause infertility.
Are there any treatments for urethra strictures?
In some people, the stricture can come again, but they might not require any more therapy for it. However, if it creates obstruction, treatment options include urethrotomy and dilatation of the urinary tract. When dealing with significant strictures that have returned, a second open surgery may be required.
What are the symptoms of urethral stricture, and how can I tell if I have one?
Incomplete evacuation of the bladder’s contents. The stream of urine was sprayed everywhere. Urinary passages that are difficult to pass, painful, or both. a stronger need to urinate or urinating more frequently than normal
What does it feel like to be under a stricture?
Patients who have strictures may experience obstruction symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, or the inability to pass gas and stool. The severity of these symptoms is determined by the location of the stricture. Notify your primary care physician if you experience any of these symptoms.