Urethral Stricture Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Urethral stricture is a condition in which there is a narrowing of the urethra due to inflammation or some other condition. The urethra itself is a channel that functions to remove urine from the kidneys.
Under normal conditions, the urethra is large enough for urine to be excreted completely. However, the size of this channel can narrow, causing blockages for a number of reasons. This condition is called a urethral stricture.
If not treated promptly, urethral strictures can cause inflammation and infection. This condition can happen to anyone and with any age range. However, urethral stricture is more common in adult men than in women or children.
Several conditions can make an adult male more susceptible to urethral stricture, including:
- Suffering from sexually transmitted infections
- There is a history of catheter insertion
- Have a urinary tract infection
- Having an enlarged prostate
Urethral Stricture Symptoms
Symptoms experienced by a person with a urethral stricture will appear if the blockage or stricture is large enough to block the flow of urine. This blockage causes urinary disorders, urinary tract infections, and in the long term can cause kidney function damage.
These symptoms can include:
- Bloody or dark-colored urine
- Blood on semen
- The flow of urine is not smooth
- Pain when urinating
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Swollen penis
- Unable to hold urine out
Urethral Stricture Reason
The condition that commonly causes urethral stricture is the presence of scar tissue. This scar tissue can occur due to many things. Surgery around the urethra is the most common cause that results in the formation of scar tissue.
In addition, scarring can occur as a result of:
- Pelvic fracture
- Catheter installation
- Radiation
- Prostate surgery
- Prostate hyperplasia
- Tumors around the urethra
- Recurrent urinary tract infections that are not treated completely
- Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of urethral stricture is determined on the basis of direct physical examination and additional examinations. The additional checks referred to include:
- Ultrasonography (USG) An
ultrasound examination is performed to see the entire urinary tract, from the bladder to the urethra. The examination is carried out using a probe attached to the stomach. - Urethroscopy Urethroscopy
is performed by inserting a small tube equipped with a camera through the urinary outlet and then following the urethra. Urethral obstruction and its exact location will be visible through this examination. - Retrograde urethrogram
A retrograde urethrogram is performed to see the amount of obstruction, position and severity of urethral stricture. This examination is carried out by inserting dye or contrast fluid through the tip of the penis without using tools or catheters. Then photographed using X-rays. With this coloring, the location and number of blockages can be known immediately.
Generally, a retrograde urethrogram is performed at the same time as an anterograde urethrogram. Anterograde means following the flow of urine, that is, by inserting dye or contrast through a vein. This contrast will later be wasted along with the urine. Through X-ray, photos will appear of blockages that occur along the urethral canal.
Urethral Stricture Treatment
Treatment for patients with urethral strictures can vary, depending on the size of the blockage and how much scar tissue is formed. The actions given can be in the form of:
- Dilatation, which is the widening of the urethra that is gradually narrowing
- Urethrotomy, which is cutting the blockage with a laser
- Open surgery, which is cutting the blocked part of the urethra and reconnecting the two ends of the urethra which was severed through major surgery.
Prevention
Prevention of urethral stricture is done by avoiding the risk factors. One way is to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. To prevent more serious complications – such as kidney damage, proper and fast action is the key.