When is Urethroplasty Recommended?
Urethroplasty is suggested when:
- Repeated urethral strictures occur after temporary treatments like DVIU (Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy) or dilatation.
- The stricture is long, recurrent, or complex in nature.
- Patients experience frequent urinary tract infections, poor urine flow, or complete blockage.
- Non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief.
Types of Urethroplasty Procedures
Depending on the length, location, and severity of the stricture, different approaches are used:
- Excision and Primary Anastomosis (EPA):
- The scarred portion of the urethra is removed.
- The two healthy ends are stitched together.
- Usually done for short strictures (less than 2 cm).
- Offers excellent long-term results with very high success rates.
- Augmentation Urethroplasty:
- Used for longer strictures.
- Involves enlarging the narrowed urethra with grafts.
- Buccal Mucosal Graft (from inner cheek) is the most preferred tissue due to its durability and compatibility.
- Substitution Urethroplasty:
- Entirely replaces the damaged urethral section with a graft or flap.
- Effective in complex or previously failed cases.
Benefits of Urethroplasty Surgery
- Permanent solution compared to repeated dilatations or DVIU.
- High success rate (over 85–90% in most cases).
- Improves urine flow and bladder function.
- Reduces the risk of recurring infections.
- Enhances overall quality of life.
Recovery After Urethroplasty
- Hospital stay is usually 3–5 days.
- A catheter is kept for about 2–3 weeks to allow healing.
- Most patients return to daily activities within 4–6 weeks.
- Follow-up visits ensure proper healing and urine flow.
Why Choose Urethroplasty with an Experienced Urologist?
Since urethroplasty is a technically advanced surgery, it requires the expertise of a highly trained urologist. With over 12 years of experience in advanced urology and reconstructive surgeries, patients receive:
- Precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Use of the latest surgical techniques like buccal mucosal grafting.
- Long-term success with minimal recurrence.
Symptoms of a urethral stricture
- Thin, weak or split urine stream
- Straining and taking a long time to pass urine
- Dribbling afterwards or a feeling of incomplete emptying
- Repeated urine infections
- Sudden inability to pass urine
Strictures can follow injury, infection, previous catheters or instruments, or have no clear cause. Read the full laser DVIU option for short strictures.
Urethroplasty or DVIU?
Short, first-time strictures can be opened from inside with laser DVIU, but strictures often come back after repeated cuts. Longer strictures, strictures that have recurred after DVIU, and strictures caused by injury are best treated with urethroplasty, which has much higher long-term success.
Tests before surgery
A retrograde urethrogram (RGU) and micturating urethrogram (MCU) show the length and position of the stricture, alongside uroflowmetry and ultrasound. These decide whether the narrowed segment can be removed and rejoined (anastomotic urethroplasty) or needs widening with a graft from inside the cheek (buccal mucosa graft).
Why Dr. Nitin Negi
Urethroplasty in Jaipur with the best urologist in Jaipur
- MCh super-specialistMBBS, MS (Surgery), MCh in Genitourinary Surgery; clinical training at AIIMS, New Delhi.
- 25,000+ proceduresEndourological surgeries including RIRS, Mini-PERC, PCNL, HoLEP, TURiS and TURP.
- 150W Holmium laserRajasthan’s first, at ManglamPlus Medicity, for faster, safer stone and prostate surgery.
- Clear explanationsEvery option, risk and cost discussed before treatment; two convenient Jaipur locations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the success rate of urethroplasty?
Urethroplasty has the highest long-term success of all stricture treatments, much higher than repeated dilatation or DVIU, particularly when done by an experienced reconstructive urologist.
Will the cheek heal after a buccal graft?
Yes. The inside of the cheek heals within one to two weeks; soft food and mouthwash help in the first days.
Why does a stricture keep coming back after dilatation?
Dilatation and DVIU stretch or cut the scar but leave it in place, so it can narrow again. Urethroplasty removes or bypasses the scar.