Symptoms
Straining or prolonged urination.
Reduced flow of urine.
Need to urinate more often.
Inability to empty the bladder completely.
Discomfort or burning sensation.
Increased risk due to urine retention.
Causes
Direct injury to the urethra from accidents, medical procedures, or catheterization.
Sexually transmitted infections or other bacterial infections causing inflammation.
Previous surgeries on the urinary tract can lead to scarring.
For pelvic cancers, which can damage the urethra.
Risk Factors
Increased risk of scarring.
Higher likelihood of developing strictures.
Long-term catheter use can cause damage and scarring.
Investigations
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To identify symptoms and potential causes.
Measures the rate of urine flow.
Cystoscopy: Insertion of a scope to visualize the urethra and bladder.
Retrograde Urethrogram: X-ray with contrast dye to outline the urethra and identify the location and extent of the stricture.
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Management
A balloon dilation procedure combined with drug coating to prevent restenosis.
Gradually stretching the urethra using increasing sizes of dilators.
Incision through the stricture using a scope with a cutting instrument.
Surgical reconstruction or replacement of the narrowed section of the urethra for severe or recurrent cases.
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