Urethral Reconstruction

What are urethral strictures?

Urethral strictures are scars that can develop inside your urethra because of trauma, infection, or swelling. They often interfere with normal urethral function and urine flow, so the symptoms can include:

• Pain during urination
• Dark urine
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Blood in seminal fluid
• Weak urine stream
• Messy urine stream (spraying)
• Dribbling urine
• Urinary incontinence

Urethral stricture symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other urologic conditions. If you’re suffering from these issues, see your Arizona Urology care provider as soon as possible so you can get diagnosis and treatment before the symptoms worsen.

What is urethral reconstruction?

Urethral reconstruction is a surgery in which your Arizona Urology specialist removes damaged tissue (usually strictures) and then restores normal urethral function by reconnecting the undamaged tissue. 

Urethral reconstruction can vary considerably because it’s customized for your particular strictures and symptoms. 

The procedure can range from fairly simple to quite complex depending on the number of strictures and where the strictures appear in your urethra. 

Depending on the situation, you might need tissue grafts to fully restore urethral function. The tissue comes from your own body, typically the inner cheeks or outer genitals, so there’s no worry about allergies or rejection.

When do I need urethral reconstruction?

Urethral reconstruction can be a good choice if your urethral strictures are interfering with normal urinary function. 

If you’re unable to urinate normally, you could develop a number of different issues such as chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, and kidney stones. 

If the strictures expand and prevent urine passage, you could end up with severe long-term damage to your bladder and kidneys. Urethral reconstruction can return you to normal function and prevent major long-term consequences.

What is the recovery like after urethral reconstruction?

Recovery can vary widely since every urethral reconstruction is different. In general, most patients can return home the same day of the urethral reconstruction or after one night in the hospital. 

You’ll likely have a catheter after this procedure, but after your urologist removes the catheter, you’ll generally be able to get back to at least light daily activity.

Arizona Urology is here to support you through urethral reconstruction and recovery. Call the office located nearest you now.