About Urethral Strictures

Urethral stricture disease results from inflammation leading to scar tissue formation within the urethra (the tube draining the bladder). As scar tissue forms, the passageway for the urine narrows, which can cause significant problems with urination or even blood within the urine.

• What causes urethral stricture disease?

  Urethral stricture disease can result from any process causing inflammation within the tissue of the urethra leading to scar tissue formation. Some of the most common sources of this scar tissue include previous surgery on the urethra, prostate or bladder; injury to the urethra, either directly or due to injury to pelvis; infections of the urinary tract; sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs); radiation therapy to the pelvis; rare congenital issues; and traumatic placement of a urinary catheter.

• What symptoms would a man experience if he had a urethral stricture?

  The symptoms of a urethral stricture can vary significantly from one person to another. Often, urination is affected. This may present with frequent urination, a strong urgency to urinate, slowing or spraying of the urinary stream, decreased ability for the bladder to empty (urinary retention), blood in the urine, development of urinary tract infections, or even pain with urination.

• Can urethral stricture disease be successfully treated?

  Yes. Thankfully, significant advances in the management of urethral stricture disease have been made to give people struggling with strictures a new lease on life. There are two factors that determine the best means of treating a urethral stricture: where along the course of the urethra the stricture is and how long of a segment has been affected by scar tissue. Based on this information, the experts at Minnesota Urology can help craft the treatment plan that will provide you with the best long-term result. Our success rates reach 90-95%.

• What treatment options are available for urethral stricture disease?

  There are several treatment options available for those suffering from urethral stricture disease. The most optimal of these options will depend on your unique circumstance, including the location and length of scar tissue that has formed. Some minimally invasive options include urethral dilation (a gentle stretching of the scar tissue), which is sometimes performed with a special medication-coated device or using a small instrument to disrupt the scar tissue to spring the urethra back open. More definitive treatment options include removal of the scar tissue to bring the two healthy ends together (called a primary anastomosis) or using a patch to fill in the gap the scar tissue has left. Make an appointment today to discuss which option may provide a solution to your unique problem.

• What happens when I make an appointment for my urethral stricture disease?

  Most often, it is in the process of evaluating trouble with urination that a urethral stricture is discovered. When a urethral stricture is recognized, our expert will conduct a comprehensive medical history and physical exam. A bladder scan ultrasound will be performed on your lower abdomen to see how well the bladder empties when you urinate. The rate at which your urine flows also will be assessed by having you urinate in a special machine. If a urethral stricture is suspected, we will likely perform a cystoscopy (specialized telescope test) to assess the scar tissue itself and get you set up for a retrograde urethrogram. A retrograde urethrogram uses dye and an Xray to assess the length of the urethra, identifying locations of scar tissue and what length of the urethra is affected. Your expert at Minnesota Urology will walk you through each step of this process.