Urethral stricture refers to any narrowing of the urethra for any reason whether or not it actually impacts the flow of urine out of the bladder. Any inflammation of urethra can result in scarring, which then can lead to a stricture or a narrowing of the urethra. Trauma, infection, tumors, surgeries, or any other cause of scarring may lead to urethral narrowing or stricture. Mechanical narrowing of the urethra without scar formation (developmental causes or prostate enlargement) can also cause urethral stricture. Urethral stricture is significantly more common in men and boys compared to women and girls. This condition is considered rare in females.

Common Causes of Stricture Urethra

• Trauma from injury or accidents (for example, falling on a frame of a bicycle between the legs, or a car accident)
• Pelvic injury or trauma
• Previous procedures involving the urethra (urinary catheters, surgeries, cystoscopy)
• Previous prostate surgery (TURP or transurethral resection of the prostate)
• Prostate enlargement
• Cancer of the urethra (rare)
• Infections of the urethra (sexually transmitted diseases or STDs, urethritis, gonorrhea, chlamydia)
• Prostate infection or inflammation (prostatitis)
• Previous hypospadias surgery (a congenital birth defect in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis instead of the tip)
• Congenital malformations of the urethra, which rarely can cause urethral stricture in children

Expertise of Dr Vaibhav Saxena

• Laser endoscopic urethroplasty(OIU)
• End to end urethroplasty