Urethral Stricture

Treatment Options

Corrective treatment is only necessary if your stricture is causing problems. You will need frequent follow-up exams for at least a year after treatment to ensure the stricture doesn't recur and that you remain free of infection.

Treatment options at Mayo Clinic include:

Catheterization

Inserting a catheter (small tube) into your bladder to drain urine and relieve pain (in case of a complete blockage) is the usual first step in treatment. Self-catheterization is an option if you're diagnosed with a short stricture. Simply inserting a catheter may correct and open the urethra, if done periodically.

Surgical options

• Urethroplasty. This is reconstructive surgery to either remove the narrowed section of your urethra or enlarge it. The recurrence of strictures after urethroplasty is very low.
• Endoscopic internal urethrotomy. Your doctor inserts a cystoscope into your urethra. Instruments are then inserted through it into the urethra to remove the stricture or vaporize it with a laser. This procedure offers faster recovery, minimal scarring and less risk of infection, although recurrence is possible.

Other treatment options

• Dilation. A tiny wire is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. Progressively larger dilators are passed over the wire to gradually increase the size of the opening. This outpatient procedure may be an option if you have recurrent strictures.
• Implanted stent or permanent catheter. If you have a severe stricture and choose not to undergo surgery, the best treatment may be implanting a permanent stent (artificial tube) to keep the urethra open, or a permanent catheter to drain the bladder. These procedures have several disadvantages, including bladder irritation, discomfort and urinary tract infections. They also require close monitoring.