This often causes difficulty with passing urine, including straining andpain in the urethra.
Urethral strictures are most common in men but can occur in women as well.
Men over the age of 55 are most prone to urethral strictures.
Verywell / JR Bee
A urethral stricture can cause mild to severe issues with urination.
These symptoms include:
What Are the Main Causes of Urethral Stricture?
There are many reasons why a urethral stricture may occur.
Pelvic fractures and perineal trauma are commonly associated with urethral strictures.
How Is Urethral Stricture Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a urethral stricture starts with a physical examination by a healthcare provider.
If a urethral stricture is suspected, imaging studies such as an ultrasound or X-rays may be done.
Urethroscopyis a procedure using a fiber optic scope to look in the urethra when a stricture is suspected.
Some of these procedures can be done in the office or bedside using local anesthesia in emergency situations.
During a planned procedure your healthcare provider may choose to use general anesthesia or twilight sleep.
The Foley does the job of draining urine but also helps keep the newly released strictures open.
It is removed a few days later.
The area is closed and the surgeon checks for good blood flow in the area.
Recovery From Surgery
Most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks of surgery.
Some degree of erectile dysfunction is common, but this tends to resolve within 12 months.
The surgical procedures done to treat urethral strictures have additional risks specific to this punch in of procedure.
Summary
Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra that can lead to significant problems urinating.
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