URETHRAL STRICTURE TREATMENT
IN DUBAI
Urethral Stricture
Urethral stricture is the obstruction of urine flow outside the body through the urethra. It happens when an infection, injury, or swelling causes a scar that slows or blocks the urine flow in the tube. For some people, it can be painful and, if untreated, can lead to kidney damage. That’s why it’s imperative to go for urethral stricture treatment in Dubai as soon as you see the early symptoms. The urethral stricture is more common among males as they have a longer urethra than females. The male urethra is more prone to damage and injury, leading to strictures. It rarely occurs in females, especially if they have difficult lower urinary tract symptoms. Even if a person suffers from chronic urinary retention, the enlarged bladder can become dysfunctional over time. Before we discuss various options for urethral stricture treatment in Dubai, let’s know about urethral stricture in detail.
What are the common symptoms of urethral stricture?
Although the symptoms can vary from person to person depending upon the severity of the condition, here are the most commonly found symptoms –
- Feels like a full bladder even after urination
- Dark or bloody urine
- Frequently occurring UTIs ( Urinary tract infections)
- Increases frequency of urination
- Decreased or slow urine stream
- Painful urination
- Loss of bladder control or urethral leaking
- Abdominal pain due to swelling in the surrounding structures or the penis
- Blood in semen
- Taking longer to urinate
How is the diagnosis of urethral stricture made?
A complete diagnosis of the person’s medical history, symptoms, and triggering points that makes it worse or better helps the doctor to determine the cause and extent of the strictures. Other physical and internal analyses can determine the type of stricture a male has. The doctor can also recommend several tests to identify any underlying issue causing urethral strictures. A thorough physical examination is a must to see if there are any deformities or visible injuries to the penis. These tests will determine how severe the condition is and how it’s affecting the surrounding structures. Some of the tests recommended are-
Imaging studies
Ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans let the doctors view and assess the surrounding structures and urethra.
Retrograde urethrogram
A fluoroscopic x-ray lets the doctor sees the progression of a special contrast dye inserted through the tip of the penis into the urethra. This allows the doctor where precisely the blockage lies.
Urethroscopy
A thin, lighted scope inserted into the urethra allows seeing where the urethral stricture has occurred.
What are the causes of urethral stricture?
The urethral strictures or narrowing of the urethra can obstruct any part of the bladder up to the tip of the penis. As it slows the flow of urine, there are several causes of it-
- Swelling caused by certain conditions
- Trauma to the urethra
- Fall injury onto the perineum or scrotum
- Infection from STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
- Urinary cauterization
- Damage from surgical tools
- Kidney stone removal
- Prostate surgery
- A type of cancer treatment like prostate brachytherapy
- Damage from continuous use of a urethral catheter
- Occurrence of prostatectomy
What are the types of urethral strictures?
The urethral strictures occurring in males are often classified into two types:
- Anterior urethra stricture
The section downstream to the posterior section consists of the last part (last 9-10 inches) of the urethra. The most common reasons for urethral strictures in this part are- direct trauma to the penis, direct straddle injury, and a history of urinary cauterization. Posterior urethra stricture
It is 1-2 inches long and passes through the pelvic floor muscles and the prostate up to the bladder opening. It occurs mainly due to injuries to the pelvic, like a pelvic fracture.A proper diagnosis will help you identify the urethral stricture treatment in Dubai.
THE SURGEONS
COMMON TOPICS
Urethral stricture treatment in Dubai
The treatment depends on the person’s overall health condition, symptoms, and parts where the issue occurs. If there are no significant symptoms, the doctor can recommend waiting as it heals itself in most cases. If the person suffers from significant urine retention and severe pain, a suprapubic catheter can be helpful. A doctor recommends this catheter when an indwelling catheter cannot go through the urethral opening. This catheter instead goes through the abdomen into the urinary bladder above the pubic bone.
Open surgical removal
It is an invasive method in which the urethral strictures correction involves surgically removing them. Specific reconstructive procedures and grafts are also done on the urethra.
Urethrotomy
Doctors use urethroscopic guidance to surgically cut the stricture using a scalpel or a particular laser.
Dilation
Gradual stretching to enlarge the stricture with the help of inserting special devices helps dilate the urethral stricture. It is the least invasive method and the initial treatment method that the doctor recommends.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Urethral strictures can reoccur again even after successful treatment. Hence you should always have a follow-up appointment with a urologist once a while. Even after the catheter is out of the body, a doctor can still recommend x- rays or physical exams. A urethroscopy can help to check the repair. And in case the strictures come back in a serious form, you can either do a urethrotomy or can do open surgery as well. A urethral stricture treatment in Dubai is thorough and often leads to a minimum to no side effects.
Prevention may not always be possible; however, one can be cautious enough. Always use protective gear during athletic activities to avoid pelvic area injuries. Never self- catheterize as it can lead to multiple complications if you are not well trained. Use barrier protection to avoid STDs like gonorrhea or Chlamydia. Regularly get tested for STIs and seek appropriate treatment. Always avoid sexual intercourse if you know the partner is infected. Have a discussion with your partner and be honest with your doctor.
