Best Doctor List Near You for Urethroplasty in Carlinville

Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure performed to repair or reconstruct the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This procedure is typically indicated for treating urethral strictures, which are narrowings of the urethra caused by scar tissue. Urethral strictures can result from trauma, previous surgeries, infections, or chronic inflammation and can lead to symptoms such as difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary tract infections, and, in severe cases, urinary retention. Urethroplasty involves removing the scarred segment of the urethra and reconnecting the healthy ends (anastomosis) or using tissue grafts, such as from the buccal mucosa (inner cheek), to reconstruct a new urethral segment. The specific technique used depends on the length and location of the stricture, as well as the patient's overall health and anatomy. While urethroplasty is generally effective and offers a long-term solution to urethral strictures, it does carry potential complications. These can include infection, bleeding, and the development of new strictures or fistulas (abnormal connections between the urethra and other tissues). There is also a risk of erectile dysfunction, particularly if the surgery involves the posterior urethra, as well as complications related to anesthesia. Postoperative urinary incontinence is another possible complication, though it is relatively uncommon. Despite these risks, urethroplasty is considered the most definitive treatment for urethral strictures, offering a high success rate and the potential for significant improvement in urinary function and quality of life.