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Conditions & Treatments

Urethral Stricture Disease in Chattanooga TN

What is Urethral Stricture Disease?

Urethral Stricture Disease Chattanooga TNUrethral Stricture Disease is a narrowing of the urethra caused by injury, inflammation or infection that results in scarring. But in many cases there is no known cause. It causes reduced urine flow and more frequent urination. Urethral stricture can lead to urinary tract infections, prostatitis, urinary retention and kidney damage. Thus, this condition requires treatment. This condition affects both men and women, but is more common in men, especially men aged 55 and up. The incidence of urethral stricture is estimated at 6% of the U.S. male population.

If you are experiencing urethral stricture in Chattanooga, TN and surrounding areas, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shridharani today.

What Causes Urethral Stricture?

Any trauma to the perineum or urethra that is significant enough to cause scarring can result in a urethral stricture. Scarring can occur after urologic procedures as well. It can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections that cause urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) and lichen sclerosis (a rare skin disease that typically affects the genitals and anal areas producing small white spots on the skin and thinning of the skin that results in scarring). Lichen sclerosis may also be referred to as BXO or balanitis xerotica obliterans.

Symptoms of Urethral Stricture Disease

  • Lower urinary tract symptoms like urinary frequency, urgency, poor urine stream, dribbling, incomplete voiding and blood in the urine
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Urinary retention
  • Decreased ejaculation

Diagnosing Urethral Stricture Disease

Urethral Stricture Chattanooga TNYour medical history will be evaluated, including evaluation of erectile function. You will receive a physical exam and a cystoscopy and urethrogram (X-ray dye test) will be used to evaluate the location and length of the strictures. A quick and simple diagnostic screening test, called uroflowmetry or uroflow, will be used to evaluate urine flow. Other diagnostic tests include urinalysis and urine cultures.

Urethral Stricture Disease Treatment Options

Generally, treatment is determined by the severity and length of the stricture. There are a few treatment options offered by Dr. Shridharani, you can find information about each below.

Urethral Dilation

This procedure is done under local or general anesthetic in an attempt to widen or open the urethral narrowing. However, the success of urethral dilation is temporary and of short duration in most men. For men with short, thin strictures this is still a good option.

Internal Urethrotomy

This option offers a better chance to avoid reforming of the stricture. This procedure is performed with endoscopic visualization using a tiny knife to cut out the stricture while you are asleep. However, it is limited to short strictures and may require additional treatment with a repeat urethrotomy or urethroplasty. Median time to stricture recurrence is 7-12 months.

Urethroplasty

This is the gold standard treatment for urethral stricture disease. Here, the scar is excised or bypassed and the urethra is reconstructed. The urethra is reconstructed with either healthy segments of urethral tissue or a graft of healthy tissue from another part of the body, usually the mouth. You are asleep during this procedure and an overnight stay in the hospital is routine. Stricture recurrence rate is less than 10% which makes this procedure the best and most cost-effective treatment option.

FAQ

Is Urethral Stricture Disease Dangerous?

Urethral strictures are not particularly dangerous at first, but if left untreated, they can cause more severe complications. It can potentially result in permanent bladder damage, frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), damage to the kidneys, blood in the urine, and cause backflow into the kidneys. 

How Is Urethral Stricture Disease Treated?

There are a few different types of treatment methods for urethral stricture disease. The first treatment involves dilation. Dilation is when a urologist enlarges a patient’s stricture by gradually stretching it out. This is accomplished by using dilators known as “sounds.” 

One thing to note about this particular technique is that it is not exactly a cure. In most cases, dilation needs to be repeated routinely. The next treatment is known as urethrotomy. This is a surgical operation that involves making an incision within the stricture and creating a gap. A catheter is inserted afterward to keep the gap open and drain any fluid and blood.

The next treatment is an open surgery. There are two types of operations that can be done: anastomotic urethroplasty and substitution urethroplasty. Anastomotic urethroplasty is an operation that is best suited for those suffering from a short urethra stricture. An incision is made between the rectum and the scrotum. The surgeon then reconnects the urethra once the stricture is removed.

Substituting urethroplasty is a surgical operation designed to treat long strictures. This operation works by taking tissue from another part of the body to act as a replacement for the area that housed the stricture. If the stricture is too severe, this operation may be completed in segments. There are three different types of substitution methods for this operation, which include free graft, staged, and skin flap. The method that is used will depend on the type of stricture the patient has. 

Why Choose UT Urology For Your Urethral Stricture Treatment?

The UT Urology providers have the specific knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide compassionate patient care. They provide the region’s most comprehensive medical and surgical treatment for complex urological conditions. Our team is experienced in managing all types of urethral strictures and has excellent success treating the most difficult to manage strictures. We take the time to listen to your health issues and concerns. In Tennessee, Alabama and northern Georgia, UT Urology is the right choice for your urologic health.

Read what our patients are saying!

Hi, my name is Holly Day. My husband Justin and I were having trouble conceiving for over 2 years. After Justin’s surgery with Dr. Shridharani in December of 2014, we are now expecting a baby in January 2016. This wouldn’t have been possible without him, so for that we are extremely grateful. He is truly an amazing doctor and works is a very professional manner. Hopefully our success will be encouraging for others facing fertility problems! Thanks again for everything Dr. S!!
– Holly and Justin

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Contact Dr. Shrid Men’s Health & Microsurgery today or visit us in Chattanooga, TN to learn more about Urethral Stricture Disease.

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