Is your urethra blocked? Let's learn about Urethroplasty surgery!

Do you also experience some discomfort, pain, or a very weak, intermittent stream of urine when urinating? Do you sometimes feel like your bladder has not emptied completely? The cause of this condition is that your urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, may be blocked or narrowed somewhere. So today we are going to talk about Urethroplasty, a special surgery that is performed in such a situation and has very successful results.

Simply put, what is Urethroplasty?

Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure performed on your urethra. This tube, which is part of our urinary system, carries urine from the bladder out of the body. In men, semen is also released through this tube.

So, for some reason, scar tissue forms inside this urethra, and the tube begins to become narrow or constricted, which prevents the flow of urine. In medical terms, we call this condition a urethral stricture . This condition is more common in men than in women.

Urethroplasty involves cutting out the blocked, scarred part of the urethra and reconnecting the two healthy parts of the tube. Or, if the blockage is long, a piece of tissue from another part of the body is taken and used to repair the blocked part.

There are several main situations in which this surgery may be necessary:

• If you have a urethral stricture .
• If you have had surgery on your urethra as a child due to certain birth defects, such as epispadias or hypospadias, as there is a higher chance of reoccurrence of blockages in previously operated urethras.
• As part of another reconstructive surgery.

How is the surgery performed? Where is the tissue taken from?

The time it takes for this surgery depends on the length and condition of the blockage. A small blockage can be completed in less time. However, a long blockage will take a little longer because a piece of tissue has to be taken from another area to repair it.

So let's look at where the tissue to repair the urethra is usually obtained.

What happens before the surgery?

Before surgery, your doctor will need to know exactly where the blockage is in your urethra and how long it is. This will usually involve an X-ray (retrograde urethrogram) or a camera-guided procedure (cystoscopy) . These are not very painful tests.

Then, before the day of surgery, you will be given instructions on when to eat and drink, and whether or not to stop taking any medications you are taking.

Sometimes, your doctor may recommend that you have a suprapubic catheter placed before surgery. This is a procedure where a tube is inserted through the lower abdomen, directly into the bladder, to drain urine. This allows the urethra to "rest" while the bladder empties more easily, allowing the scar tissue to be more clearly visible. This makes it easier to remove the area during surgery.

What happens after the surgery? How is the recovery time?

After the surgery, you will be kept in a recovery room until you wake up from the anesthesia. In most cases, you can go home the same evening, or you will have to stay in the hospital overnight. When you go home, you will have a catheter in place. This is to keep your urine flowing without obstruction until the newly created urethra heals.

Along with that, you will be given painkillers, antibiotics to prevent infection, and medication to prevent unnecessary contractions of the bladder. If tissue was taken from the mouth, you will be told to use a special mouthwash to keep the wound clean.

You will be given a date to see your doctor again two or three weeks after surgery. At that time, you may need to have an X-ray to check the repair. This involves filling your bladder with a special solution, removing the urethra, and taking X-ray pictures while you urinate.

Remember these things during recovery

• You should avoid driving or sitting for long periods of time while you have your urinary catheter in place.
• You should avoid sitting cross-legged or doing things with your legs spread wide (like climbing stairs) . Walking normally and climbing stairs is fine.
• Even after the urethral catheter is removed, you should avoid sexual intercourse or masturbation for 6 weeks from the day of surgery.
• The wound inside the mouth heals very quickly. In about three weeks, new tissue forms and the wound closes.
• You will usually need to take time off from work or school for two to three weeks after your urinary catheter is in place.

What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?

The biggest advantage of this surgery is that it is the best and most effective way to treat urethral obstruction. Research has shown that the success rate of this surgery is more than 80%, and in some cases, it is more than 90%.

Like any surgery, there are some risks. Problems with anesthesia and wound infection are common.

The main risk is that the surgery may not be successful in the long term and that the scars will recur and become stuck. If that happens, you may have to have another surgery. That is why it is important to come to the clinic on the dates the doctor gives you and have a check-up.

Some other rare risks:

• Temporary damage to the nerves in the legs, arms, and fingers due to the position during surgery.
• Pain in the area between the testicles and anus due to nerve damage.
• Urine or semen may collect in the surgical area, causing leakage or discharge from the penis.
• Erectile dysfunction . However, even if this occurs, it is usually temporary and resolves within 18 months or less.

When to see your doctor immediately

If you have difficulty urinating, have frequent urinary tract infections, or have been told by a doctor that you have a blockage in your urethra, be sure to seek medical advice.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after urethroplasty, notify your doctor immediately.

Never be afraid to talk to your doctor about any symptoms that you are concerned about. He or she is the best person to tell you what the best thing to do next.

Urethroplasty, urethral stricture, urethral surgery, men's health, urinary problems, urology