Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure used to repair and reconstruct the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It is typically performed to treat strictures (narrowing) or obstructions of the urethra that can result from injury, infection, or other medical conditions. Urethroplasty aims to restore normal urethral function and relieve symptoms such as difficulty urinating, urinary retention, or urinary tract infections. Before the procedure, the patient undergoes various tests, such as urine tests, blood tests, and imaging studies (like urethrography or cystoscopy), to evaluate the extent and characteristics of the urethral stricture or obstruction. Medications that affect blood clotting may need to be stopped prior to surgery. Urethroplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is unconscious during the procedure and feels no pain. In some cases, regional anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be used.
Urethroplasty is considered the gold standard treatment for urethral strictures and obstructions, with high rates of success and low complication rates when performed by experienced surgeons. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, including bleeding, infection, recurrence of the stricture, urinary incontinence, or erectile dysfunction. It's important for patients to discuss the potential benefits and risks of urethroplasty with their healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.
