Frequently Asked Questions About Urethral Stricture Treatment

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra caused by scar tissue. This narrowing restricts urine flow and can cause symptoms such as weak stream, difficulty urinating, frequent urinary tract infections, and incomplete bladder emptying.

Common causes include prior urethral trauma or injury, inflammatory conditions like lichen sclerosus, previous urethral surgery or instrumentation, urethral infections, and complications from prostate surgery or radiation therapy. Some strictures occur without any identifiable cause.

Most urethroplasty procedures take 1-3 hours depending on the complexity, location, and length of the stricture. More complex reconstructions involving tissue grafts or staged procedures may take longer.

Dr. Vanni has a 95% success rate for the majority of urethral strictures.

Patients may return to full activity once their catheter has been removed, which is typically in 1-3 weeks.

Yes, a urinary catheter is required after urethroplasty to allow the repair to heal without urine passing through the surgical site. The catheter typically remains in place for 1-3 weeks, though this varies based on the specific procedure performed.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after surgery. Pain is well controlled with ibuprofen and Tylenol. The majority of patients report that post-operative pain is less than anticipated and decreases significantly within the first week.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after urethroplasty that is well-managed with prescribed pain medications. The first 48-72 hours are typically the most uncomfortable, with significant improvement by the end of the first week. Most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relief within 7-10 days.

Most patients can resume driving within 1-2 weeks, once they are off prescription pain medications and can comfortably react and turn to check blind spots. You should not drive while the catheter is in place or while taking narcotic pain medications.

Return to work depends on your job type. Desk or office workers typically return in 1-2 weeks. Jobs requiring physical activity, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing may require 4-6 weeks off. Specific return-to-work timing is discussed at your post-operative visit.

The urinary catheter typically remains in place for 1-3 weeks following urethroplasty, depending on the type and complexity of repair. Simple bulbar urethroplasty usually requires 1-2 weeks, while more complex reconstructions may require 3 weeks or longer.

Urethroplasty is specifically designed to restore urinary function and typically does not affect erectile function or sexual sensation. Some patients experience temporary changes immediately after surgery that resolve with healing. Sexual activity is typically resumed at 6 weeks post-operatively.

While urethroplasty has high long-term success rates, strictures can recur in some cases. Recurrence rates depend on stricture location, length, and cause. Dr. Vanni's success rates exceed national averages, and he has extensive experience managing recurrent strictures when they occur.