Urethroplasty doctors in India

What Is Urethroplasty?

Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure used to repair or rebuild the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Sometimes, this tube becomes narrow due to scar tissue, a condition called urethral stricture. This can cause difficulty in passing urine, pain, or infections.

In urethroplasty, the doctor removes the blocked or damaged part of the urethra and repairs it. In some cases, healthy tissue from another part of the body (like the inside of the cheek) is used to rebuild the urethra.

This procedure is considered one of the most effective treatments for urethral strictures. It helps restore normal urine flow and improves quality of life.

Purpose & Benefits of Urethroplasty

● Removes blockage in the urethra

● Improves urine flow

● Reduces pain and discomfort while urinating

● Prevents repeated urinary infections

● Provides long-term or permanent solution

● Improves overall urinary function

● High success rate compared to other treatments

Who May Need Urethroplasty?

● Patients with urethral stricture (narrow urethra)

● People with difficulty passing urine

● Individuals with repeated urinary infections

● Patients with poor results from other treatments

● People with injury or damage to the urethra

● Individuals with congenital urethral conditions

● Patients with severe blockage affecting daily life

Types of Urethroplasty

1. Excision and Primary Anastomosis

The damaged part of the urethra is removed, and the healthy ends are joined together.

2. Graft Urethroplasty

Tissue from another part of the body (commonly the cheek) is used to rebuild the urethra.

3. Flap Urethroplasty

Nearby skin tissue is used to repair the urethra.

4. Staged Urethroplasty

Done in two or more stages for complex or long strictures.

Urethroplasty Procedure: Step-by-Step

1. The patient is given general anesthesia

2. An incision is made near the urethra

3. The narrowed or blocked section is identified

4. The damaged part is removed or repaired

5. Tissue graft may be used if needed

6. The urethra is reconstructed

7. A catheter is placed to allow healing

8. The incision is closed with stitches

The surgery usually takes about 3 to 6 hours depending on the complexity.

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. A catheter is kept in place for 2 to 4 weeks to help urine pass while the urethra heals.

Patients are advised to avoid heavy activities, follow hygiene practices, and take prescribed medicines. Regular follow-ups are important to check healing and ensure proper urine flow. Most patients return to normal activities gradually.

Risks & Possible Complications

● Infection

● Bleeding

● Pain or swelling

● Recurrence of urethral stricture

● Urinary incontinence

● Erectile dysfunction (usually temporary)

● Catheter-related problems

These complications are not common and can be managed with proper care.

Urethroplasty vs Other Treatments

Urethroplasty is often compared with other treatments like urethral dilation or urethrotomy.

● Urethral dilation: Temporarily widens the urethra but may not give long-term results

● Urethrotomy: A minimally invasive procedure to cut the stricture, but recurrence is common

● Urethroplasty: A more permanent and effective solution, especially for severe cases

Urethroplasty is usually recommended when other treatments do not work or when the stricture is severe.