Urethral Surgery

Our urinary system comprises different organs which involves the blood filtration and removal of waste products from the body. In these body parts, the urethra is located in the pelvic region. Its main purpose is to pass urine from the bladder. When it gets blocked due to infection, injury or inflammation, then it leads to urethral stricture. It is a rare problem and can cause urinary tract infection in individuals. Its best approach is urethral surgery. This therapy is minimally invasive and can be performed as an outpatient procedure in the healthcare department. 

What is Urethral Surgery?

It is a procedure which assists in treating certain health conditions that affect urethra in individuals. It involves the removal of blockage of urethra through an incision or tissues. This surgical method can be a better option for people suffering from urethral stricture. 

Why is this Procedure Performed in Patients?

A healthcare provider recommended this surgical procedure for the treatment of certain health conditions. These are as follows:

• Urethral diverticulum
• Urethral cancer
• Urethral strictures
• Urethral narrowing

Patients with penile urethra, dense structures, etc, are not applicable for this surgery. They must consult with a healthcare provider for the management of these health conditions. 

Benefits of Urethral Surgery

The advantages of this surgical procedure are as follows:

• It improves sexual and urinary functions.
• This surgery minimizes urinary tract infection risk in patients.
• It provides faster recovery and improves the quality of life. 

Risks and Complications

This surgical procedure is safe and effective,  but it leads to several complications. These are as follows:

• Nerve injury
• Heavy bleeding
• Sexual dysfunction
• Allergic reaction
• Swelling in penis
• Chest infection
• Difficulty in passing urine
• Catheter leakage or blockage
• Urethral discomfort
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Pain in scrotum or perineum

Treatment Procedure of Urethral Surgery

Before Procedure

A doctor or urologist conducts certain tests like uroflow, cystoscopy or retrograde urethrogram for the confirmation of the length and location of blockage in the urethra. They are quick and minimally painful procedures, which may be performed in the healthcare provider’s office. The retrograde urethrogram test is recommended for males, but cystoscopy is applicable for both male and female patients. Before a day of the procedure, a patient needs to follow certain instructions:

• The consumption of blood-thinning medication drugs must be prohibited before surgery.
• A patient should not smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol.
• Avoid cosmetic products such as lotions, perfumes, etc.
• Jewelry, body piercings and metal objects must be prohibited before surgery. 
• Some valuable items, such as credit cards, checkbooks, etc, must be left at home. 

During Procedure

A surgeon may perform certain steps during the surgical procedure. These are as follows:

• An incision will be made near the urethra to determine the location of the blockage. It is then removed by a surgeon if it is shorter in length. A surgeon will use tissues for the removal of longer blockage in the urethra. 
• Once the blockage is removed, a surgeon might rebuild the urethra through tissue grafts or a donor. 
• After that, the incisions are closed with stitches and a small drain is kept in place for a day. A catheter is placed in the urethra for healing purposes. 

After Procedure

The following things might be expected after the surgical procedure:

• A patient will be taken into the recovery room for monitoring the vital signs such as excessive bleeding or infection. 
• Some pain relief medication drugs will be provided to a patient for pain management. 
• It is important to take care of your catheter if it is placed in the urethra. A patient may remove this device after a few days. 
• The scrotal support might be worn for one week. 
• Some activities such as lifting heavy objects, walking, cycling, etc, must be limited for at least two weeks. 
• The appointments must be scheduled with a healthcare provider after the surgery.