Urethral Stricture Surgery

The constriction of the urethra (the tube that transports urine to the bladder), is known as urethral stricture. Numerous medical disorders, including inflammation and infection, maybe the cause of this. This condition is more common in men than in women.

Although some people with urethral stricture may not have any symptoms and be able to carry out their regular activities without experiencing any discomfort, it is crucial to understand that this condition can deteriorate and result in major issues like damage to the bladder. So, getting medical attention as soon as possible is crucial.

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Symptoms of Urethral stricture

• Weak urine production
• Discomfort or soreness when urinating
• Frequent desire to urinate
• The inability to control urine
• Penile discomfort and edema
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Blood in urine or semen
• Dark urine

Risk Factors of Urethral Stricture Surgery

Urethral stricture surgery, also commonly referred to as Urethroplasty involves undergoing surgery to have the urethra fixed after it has narrowed and is usually blocking urine flow. As in most operations, it has inherent risks and various possible side effects.

Below are the key risk factors and complications associated with urethral stricture surgery:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Anaesthesia Risk
• Recurrent Stricture
• Urinary Incontinence
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Urine Leakage
• Urethral Fistula
• Stricture at Graft or Flap Site
• Pain or Discomfort
• Postoperative Swelling

Causes for Urethral stricture

The urethral stricture can result from a number of causes. Among them are:

• An injury to the urethra
• Recurring infections of the urinary tract
• Any medical operation that requires inserting a tool into the urethra
• Using catheter through urethra to drain bladder
• Any inflammatory disorders that result in urethral swelling
• Removal of kidney stones in the past
• Fracture of the pelvis
• Presence of a tumor adjacent to the urethra
• Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea

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Diagnosis before undergoing Urethroplasty in India

Following a thorough medical history and inquiries about any associated signs and symptoms, the urologist typically refers the patient for the following tests:

• A urine analysis to check for any indications of illness, blood, or malignant cells.
• Test for urinary flow to measure the volume and strength of the urine stream.
• Urethral ultrasonography to determine the stricture's length
• Pelvic ultrasound to see if your bladder contains urine after urinating.
• Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to check for pelvic injuries.
• Retrograde urethrogram to determine the length and position of the stricture along the urethra, as well as to look for any structural issues or injuries to the urethra.
• Cystoscopy to assess the bladder and urethra using a cytoscope (tube like thin device with a lens)

Treatments offered for Urethral stricture in India

The available treatment options vary according to the degree of tissue scarring or obstruction.

• Dilation: Manually expanding the urethral stricture and gradually stretching it is called dilation.
• Urethrotomy: this technique involves cutting down stricture with the help of laser and knife through scope.
• Open Surgery: surgical removal of the stricture with the help of grafts.

Urethral Stricture Balloon Dilation

Urethral Stricture Balloon dilation is another method of endoscopic management of urethral stricture, which is the narrowing of urethra that impedes the flow of urine. This technique involves the dilation of the narrowed segment of the urethra using a novel designed balloon catheter.

Urethral Stricture Surgery 

Open Surgery: Strictures have been treated with a variety of reconstructive methods, some of which need one or two surgeries. The position, intensity, and size of the stricture are among the parameters that determine which repair technique is best. 

Urethral Stricture Surgery types

There are two main types of Urethral Stricture Surgery 

• Anastomotic urethral stricture surgery:  Brief urethral strictures are usually treated with anastomotic urethroplasty. During the surgery, an incision is made between the rectum and scrotum, and the stricture is removed and then the urethra is connected. It is often performed as an inpatient procedure or combined with a short stay in the hospital. A soft catheter is placed inside the penis and left there for ten to twenty-one days. After an X-ray is taken to ensure the repair is healing properly, the catheter is taken out.
• Substitution urethral stricture surgery:Tissue transfer can be used to replace the damaged area if the stricture is long. Replacement repairs may need to be made progressively in complex situations. It is essential that an experienced urologist who specializes in these treatments performs these procedures. The results are often quite positive. Free graft, skin flap, and staged operations are the three techniques of substitute approaches.

After Surgery

The patient is often discharged from the hospital the same day, making this a one-day procedure. In rare cases, a patient in severe condition could need to be discharged the next day. After the procedure, the catheter stays in the urethra for at least two to three weeks. This helps in draining urine and protects the repaired urethra in its initial phase of recovery.

Urethral Stricture Surgery Recovery

Reconstructive surgery or urethroplasty entails excision or the reconstruction of the actual stricture segment. Urethral stricture surgery recovery duration depends on the kind of surgery to be undertaken, the general health status of the patient and the type of stricture. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can expect during recovery:

• Hospital Stay
• Catheter Placement
• Monitoring
• Activity Restrictions
• Pain Management
• Follow-up Appointments
• Long-Term Recovery

Urethral Stricture Surgery Success rate

The operation has a comparatively high success rate in India. About 80 to 90 percent of patients who have surgery at some of the top urology hospitals in India experience long-lasting relief from urethral stricture. Furthermore, the cost of the surgeries is extremely low in Indian hospitals.

Factors affecting the Urethral stricture surgery cost in India

India provides excellent healthcare at a relatively low cost, making access to top-notch care affordable for everybody. In India, the cost of a urethral stricture surgery is less than that of the US and other industrialized countries.

The following are some factors that may impact the urethral stricture surgery cost in India:

• Medications cost
• Patient’s condition
• Location 
• The cost of hospital stays
• Infrastructure and reputation of hospitals
• The proficiency and background of healthcare providers
• Types of diagnostic tests
• Type of treatment approach

Best Hospitals Offering Urethral Stricture Surgery in India

• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
• Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
• Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi

Best surgeons for Urethral Stricture Surgery in India

• Dr. Anil Mandhani
• Dr. Rajesh Ahlawat
• Dr. Rajiv Yadav
• Dr. Anshuman Agarwal
• Dr. Anupam Bhargava
• Dr. Paresh Jain

Why choose GetWellGo for Urethral Stricture Surgery in India?

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24-hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for your treatment.
• Expert oncologist with a strong track record of success
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Multilingual Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services

FAQ

1. What are the advantages of performing urethral stricture surgery?

• Improved Urine Flow: Cures obstruction that may lead to normal urinations.
• Symptom Relief: Relieves pain, canvas frequent urination, and inability to empty the bladder completely.
• Prevention of Complications: Lowers chances of UTIs, bladder stones, and the risk of kidney disease.
• Durable Results: Offers a different or longer lasting approach to managing the condition as compared to exercises such as dilation or urethrotomy.

2. How effective is the surgery given to patients with urethral stricture?

The success rate depends on factors like the stricture's length, location, and the type of surgery performed:

• Short strictures (≤2 cm): Over 90% success rates.
• Longer or complex strictures: The success rates are between 75 and 85%.
• Recurrent cases: Success might be comparatively lesser, but markedly superior to all other treatments available.

3. When is it safe to go back to work after surgery for urethral stricture?

• Hospital Stay: Usually 1–2 days.
• Catheter Use: It is usually needed for about 1 to 3 weeks to facilitate the healing process.
• Full Recovery: As stated earlier, patients rebound to normal within 4 – 6 weeks following the surgery but this depends on the severity of the surgery.
• Resuming Normal Activities: Recuperation in most cases allows a person back to a lighter employ for a period of two weeks and similar activities that require more strength in sixth weeks.
• Follow-up Appointments: Moreover, more follow-ups are required to evaluate other improvements or manifestations of the illness.
   

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