Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This can cause problems with urination, such as difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine, a weak urinary stream, and a need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
There are many causes of urethral stricture, including:
- Injury to the urethra, such as from a fall or a catheter
- Infection of the urethra
- Inflammation of the urethra
- Surgery on the urethra
- Radiation therapy to the pelvis
Urethral strictures can be treated in a number of ways, depending on the severity of the stricture and the patient’s overall health.
UIV urethroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat urethral strictures. In this procedure, a surgeon inserts a small camera and instruments through the urethra to view the stricture and to repair it. The surgeon may use a variety of techniques to repair the stricture, such as:
- Resection and anastomosis: The surgeon removes the strictured area of the urethra and then joins the two healthy ends of the urethra together.
- Inlay graft: The surgeon inserts a piece of tissue, such as from the inner lining of the mouth, into the urethra to widen it.
- Onlay graft: The surgeon inserts a piece of tissue, such as from the skin, over the urethra to widen it.
UIV urethroplasty is a relatively safe and effective procedure. The success rate is high, with most patients experiencing a significant improvement in their symptoms. The recovery time is typically short, and most patients are able to go home the same day as the procedure.
Here are some of the advantages of UIV urethroplasty:
- It is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that there is less pain and a shorter recovery time than with more traditional surgery.
- It is effective in treating most urethral strictures.
- It can be performed under local anesthesia, so you may be able to go home the same day.
Here are some of the risks of UIV urethroplasty:
- There is a small risk of bleeding, infection, and damage to the urethra.
- You may experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure.
If you have a urethral stricture, talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about urethral stricture treatment:
- You may need to take antibiotics before and after the procedure to prevent infection.
- You may have a catheter placed in your urethra after the procedure to help drain urine. The catheter will usually be removed within a few days.
- You should drink plenty of fluids after the procedure to help flush out the urethra.
- You should avoid strenuous activity for several weeks after the procedure.
With proper treatment, most patients with urethral strictures can make a full recovery and enjoy a normal quality of life.