Urethral Stricture Treatment in Delhi
Urethral stricture is a medical condition where the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, becomes narrowed due to scarring, injury, infection, or inflammation. This narrowing obstructs urine flow, leading to symptoms like weak stream, difficulty urinating, pain, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). In severe cases, it may cause urinary retention or kidney damage if left untreated.
This condition is more common in men due to the longer length of the male urethra and can result from trauma, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), previous urological surgeries, or long-term catheter use.
For urethral stricture treatment in Delhi, Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta, a leading urologist in Delhi, offers specialized procedures such as urethral dilation, Optical Internal Urethrotomy (OIU), Urethroplasty, and Progressive Perineal Urethroplasty (PPU). These treatments help restore normal urinary function, providing long-term relief and improving the quality of life for patients.
Causes of Urethral Stricture
Several factors can contribute to the development of urethral stricture, including:
-
Trauma or Injury: Direct impact or injury to the pelvic area, such as from accidents, falls, or medical procedures like catheterization.
-
Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia, or repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
-
Surgical Procedures: Prior urethral surgeries, catheter placements, or prostate surgeries can lead to scar formation and narrowing of the urethra.
-
Congenital Conditions: Some individuals are born with a naturally narrow urethra, which may develop into a stricture over time.
-
Radiation Therapy: Used in prostate or bladder cancer treatments, radiation exposure can cause scarring in the urinary tract.
-
Lichen Sclerosus: A chronic skin condition that affects the genital area and may lead to urethral scarring.
Symptoms of Urethral Stricture
The symptoms of urethral stricture can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of narrowing. Common symptoms include:
-
Weak or slow urine flow
-
Straining to urinate
-
Painful urination (dysuria)
-
Frequent urge to urinate
-
Incomplete bladder emptying
-
Dribbling of urine
-
Blood in urine (hematuria)
-
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
-
Urinary retention (in severe cases, inability to urinate)
Diagnosis of Urethral Stricture
To accurately diagnose urethral stricture and determine its severity, several tests may be conducted, including:
1. Physical Examination & Medical History
A urologist will assess the patient’s symptoms, history of infections, injuries, or previous medical procedures to understand potential causes.
2. Uroflowmetry
This test measures the urine flow rate and detects any blockages or obstructions in the urethra.
3. Cystoscopy
A small, flexible camera (cystoscope) is inserted into the urethra to directly visualize the location and extent of the stricture.
4. Retrograde Urethrogram (RGU) & Micturating Cystourethrogram (MCU)
These specialized X-ray tests use contrast dye to highlight the structure of the urethra and determine the exact location and severity of the stricture.
5. Ultrasound
Urethral ultrasound helps in assessing scar tissue formation and narrowing of the urethral passage.
Video on Urethral Stricture Treatment
FAQs on Urethral Stricture Treatment
Yes, Urethroplasty offers a permanent cure with a high success rate. Minimally invasive options like OIU provide temporary relief but may have a recurrence risk.
Most treatments are performed under local or general anesthesia, minimizing pain. Post-treatment discomfort is manageable with prescribed medications.
Patients usually require 2-3 weeks of recovery. A catheter is placed temporarily and removed after proper healing.
While not directly life-threatening, untreated strictures can lead to severe complications such as kidney damage, urinary retention, and infections.
The cost varies based on the severity and type of treatment. Optical Internal Urethrotomy (OIU) costs around ₹50,000 - ₹70,000, while Urethroplasty costs between ₹1,20,000 - ₹2,50,000 in India.
