Urethral Stricture

Treatment of Urethral Stricture at Mayo Clinic

At Mayo Clinic, skilled specialists in Urology and Nephrology (kidney disorders) work together to care for patients with urethral stricture. Urologists diagnose and treat the problem in the urinary tract, and nephrologists are expert in resolving any kidney problems the stricture causes.

Diagnosis

It is important to have an accurate diagnosis and assessment of the location and length of a urethral stricture, and to identify the underlying cause. An evaluation starts with a physical exam and inquiry into symptoms, such as decreased force of urine stream or troublesome dripping after urination. Urodynamic tests help identify functional problems, and urinalysis is used to detect infections or other urinary tract problems. Read more about urethral stricture diagnosis.

Treatment

Without appropriate treatment, urinary strictures almost always recur. Every stricture is different, and while a few can be corrected by inserting a catheter, others may require minimally invasive surgery or placement of a stent to keep the urethra open. Read more about urethral stricture treatment options.

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About Urethral Stricture

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Urethral stricture occurs when the urethra, the tube that leads from the bladder out of the body, is scarred by infection or injury. The scarring narrows the urethra, restricting or blocking urine flow from the bladder.

Since males have a longer urethra than females, urethral stricture is more common in men than women. Urethral stricture can vary depending on the cause of scarring and length of the scar. Causes of urethral scarring include:

• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Long-term use of a urethral catheter (a tube inserted through the urethra to drain the bladder)
• Surgery to remove the prostate gland
• Cancer of the urethra or prostate
• External injury to the pelvis (pelvic fracture)

It is critical to open the stricture or urine will back up into the urinary system and cause other medical problems, including inflammation or infection of the prostate (called prostatitis) or infections of the bladder, ureters (tubes that drain urine from the kidneys into the bladder) or kidneys. Long term, the condition can result in kidney failure, which is life threatening.