What is Urethral Stricture?
Urethral sling surgery is a surgical procedure performed specifically to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Stress urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary loss of urine during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects. Urethral sling surgery prevents urinary incontinence by providing support under the urethra to treat this condition.
Causes of Urethral Stricture
- Infections: Infections such as urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) can cause a stricture.
- Trauma: Pelvic trauma, urethral injuries, or injuries caused by catheter use.
- Surgical Interventions: Strictures that occur after prostate surgery or other pelvic surgeries.
- Congenital Anomalies: Congenital urethral strictures.
- Radiotherapy: Narrowings that occur after radiotherapy applied to the pelvic region.
What are the symptoms of urethral stricture?
- Difficulty or pain while urinating
- Weak or thin urine stream
- Intermittent flow while urinating
- Frequent urination or a feeling of needing to urinate
- A feeling of not being able to fully empty the bladder
- Urinary tract infections
Treatment Methods for Urethral Stricture
Treatment of urethral stricture varies depending on the cause, location and severity of the stricture. The main treatment methods are:
1. Urethral Dilation
Procedure:
The urethra is gradually widened and the narrowed area is opened.
This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.
- Advantages:It is a simple and fast method.
- Disadvantages:It can be a temporary solution and the narrowing may recur.
2. Urethrotomy Internal
Procedure:
The narrowed urethral region is cut and widened using an endoscopic instrument.
It is usually performed under general anesthesia.
- Advantages:It can provide a longer-term solution.
- Disadvantages:There is a risk of recurrence of the stricture.
3. Urethral Stent
Procedure:
A small stent is placed in the narrowed area to keep the urethra open.
- Advantages:It can be a long-term solution.
- Disadvantages:There is a risk of infection and a risk of stent migration.
4. Open Surgery
Procedure:
The narrowed part of the urethra is surgically removed and the urethra is repaired again.
This method is used in severe and recurrent strictures.
- Advantages:Can provide a permanent solution.
- Disadvantages:It is a more invasive method and the recovery process is longer.
5. Catheterization
Procedure:
A catheter is placed for a temporary period and the urethra is kept open.
- Advantages: Provides temporary relief.
- Disadvantages: Prolonged use increases the risk of infection and is not a permanent solution.
Post-Treatment Care
- Infection: Drinking plenty of water helps prevent urinary tract infections
- Hygiene: Attention should be paid to urinary tract and catheter care.
- Regular Checkups:Regular doctor checkups are important to reduce the risk of recurrence of the stricture.
- Infectiousion Symptoms: If signs of infection such as fever, chills or blood in the urine are noticed, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Urethral stricture is a condition that negatively affects the quality of life, but can be effectively treated with modern medical methods. The choice of treatment method depends on the patient's general health status and the characteristics of the stricture. It is important to consult a urologist to determine the most appropriate treatment method.
Patient Questions and Answers
Question: What is urethral stricture?
Answer: Urethral stricture is a condition in which the flow of urine is restricted due to the narrowing or obstruction of a section of the urinary tract. This condition causes symptoms such as difficulty urinating, pain, and a feeling of incomplete emptying.
Question: Why does urethral stricture occur?
Answer: Urethral stricture can occur due to infections, trauma, surgical interventions, congenital anomalies, or radiation therapy. One of the most common causes is urinary tract infections such as urethritis.
Question: How is urethral stricture diagnosed?
Answer: Urethral stricture is usually diagnosed with physical examination, urine tests, uroflowmetry, and imaging techniques (ultrasound, cystoscopy, or urethrography). Your doctor uses these tests to determine the location and severity of the narrowing.
Question: How is a urethral stricture treated?
Answer: Treatments for a urethral stricture include urethral dilation, internal urethrotomy, urethral stent, open surgery, and catheterization. The choice of treatment depends on the location and severity of the narrowing and the patient's general health.
Question: What is urethral dilation and how is it done?
Answer: Urethral dilation is the gradual widening of the narrowed urethra. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and involves placing dilators of various sizes inside the urethra.
Question: What is internal urethrotomy?
Answer: An internal urethrotomy is a procedure in which the narrowed urethral area is cut and widened using an endoscopic instrument. It is usually performed under general anesthesia and can provide a longer-term solution.
Question: What is a urethral stent and when is it used?
Answer: A urethral stent is a small tube that is placed in the narrowed area. This tube keeps the urethra open and regulates the flow of urine. Stents are used especially in cases where methods such as dilation and urethrotomy have failed.
Question: When is open surgery necessary?
Answer: Open surgery is the surgical removal of the narrowed part of the urethra and the repair of the urethra. It is necessary in cases of severe and recurrent strictures or in cases where other treatment methods have failed.
Question: What is the recovery process after urethral stricture treatment?
Answer: The recovery process varies depending on the treatment method. Recovery after dilation and urethrotomy is usually rapid and you can return to normal within a few days. The recovery process after open surgery may be longer and may take several weeks.
Question: What should I pay attention to after urethral stricture treatment?
Answer: It is important to drink plenty of water, pay attention to hygiene rules and avoid heavy physical activities after surgery. In addition, it is necessary to go to regular doctor check-ups and be careful about signs of infection. If you notice symptoms such as fever, blood in the urine or severe pain, you should contact your doctor immediately.
These questions and answers can help patients learn more about urethral stricture treatment. It is always important to consult a specialist for more detailed and personalized information.