Urethroplasty is the open reconstruction of urethral stricture disease, it may involve surgical treatment to remove the involved segment and re-attach the 2 normal ends. This is known as excision and primary anastomosis. This method is mainly suits for short strictures which are involving the bulbar or membranous urethra in particular. When this repair won’t possible, tissue can be transferred to augment and hence widen the narrow segment to a normal caliber. The option of repair is based on the individual and influenced by the location and length of the stricture, the availability of local tissue, and other factors.
PROCEDURE:
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Initially an incision was made above the area of the stricture in the perineum (the area in between scrotum and anus), penis and scrotum.
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After the procedure, a urethral catheter is left in for 2 to 4 weeks based upon the type of surgery which was performed.
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After patients returns to clinic the bladder was filled with x-ray contrast and the catheter is slowly removed.
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When x-rays are being taken, the patient voids and the area of the surgery were evaluated. If the area of surgery was healed, then the catheter was left away and patients begin to void usually.
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Recovery time may depend on the type of procedure that was performed. Usually patients will in the hospital overnight after surgery. As soon as they can care for their catheter, eat and walk, they need to leave the hospital.
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It is essential to limit the activities after urethroplasty till adequate healing has occurred. That means should not lift heavy materials or things, strenuous exercise, or work for at least two weeks.
Usually, while the catheter is in placed it is safe and best if patients do not work however, after 10-14 days patients can start doing work but that should not be physical work. The catheter can be worn draining to a small bag that straps to the lower leg below a pair of pants. Placing a catheter like this is very manageable and unobtrusive.
