Urethral Stricture Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment in London
Urethral Stricture Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment
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Urethral Stricture Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment
As a consultant urological surgeon working in private practice, I regularly treat men and women with urethral stricture disease. A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) which can cause bothersome urinary symptoms, infections, and long-term complications.
At my private urology clinic in London, we provide expert assessment, accurate urology diagnostics, and tailored treatments for urethral stricture to restore normal urinary function.
Causes of Urethral Stricture
There are several causes of urethral stricture, including:
- Previous urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections
- Trauma or injury to the urethra (e.g., catheterisation, pelvic trauma)
- Surgery or instrumentation involving the urinary tract
- Inflammatory conditions
- Rarely, congenital narrowing of the urethra
Strictures can affect any part of the urethra, including the membranous, prostatic, bulbar and penile urethral. Some patients have meatal strictures (at the external urethral opening), and even pan-urethral strictures, where much of the urethra is narrowed.
Signs and Symptoms of Urethral Stricture
Common signs and symptoms of urethral stricture and urethral narrowing include:
- Weak urinary stream
- Splitting urine stream
- Straining to pass urine
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Pain, swelling, or discomfort in the male urethra
- In severe cases, complete obstruction of the urethra
In women, urethral stenosis in women may cause similar urinary difficulties, sometimes requiring female urethral dilatation.
Diagnosing Urethral Stricture
Accurate diagnosis of urethral stricture is essential to plan treatment. At our urology clinic in London, we use modern urology scans and investigations, including:
- Flow tests (uroflowmetry)
- Urethroscopy (camera test)
- Imaging (retrograde urethrogram)
Treatment Options for Urethral Strictures
There are several treatment options for urethral strictures, chosen depending on the location, length, and severity:
Minimally Invasive Treatments
- Urethral dilation or urethra stretching – gradual widening of the narrowed segment
- Internal urethrotomy – incision of the stricture using an endoscopic instrument.
- Meatal dilatation for narrowing at the external urethral opening.
Reconstructive Surgery
- Urethroplasty procedure – an open stricture urethra surgery that offers the most durable long-term success. This may involve grafts.
Innovative Treatments
- Optilume™ – a new minimally invasive balloon dilation device that combines mechanical widening with a drug-coated balloon to reduce recurrence. Very promising minimally invasive treatment.
Private Urethral Dilatation in London
Patients often seek private urethra widening surgery in London for faster access and continuity of care. We offer:
- Options for both men and women (urethra dilation male and urethra dilation female)
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities at one of the best urology hospitals in London
Urological Health and Comprehensive Care
As a urology specialist in London, I manage not only urethral strictures but also a full range of urological health conditions:
- Urethral stricture disease
- Urologist providing prostate cancer care, with access to private PSA testing
- Management of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Comprehensive set of urology tests and diagnostics
Whether you require an initial consultation or a urethral stricture operation, we provide expert, personalised care at a trusted our private urology clinic in London.
FAQS
What are urethral strictures?
A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, usually caused by scarring or inflammation. This narrowing restricts the flow of urine and may cause urinary problems such as a weak stream, difficulty passing urine, or repeated infections.
What is a stricture of the urethra?
A stricture of the urethra refers to the same condition – a narrowing or blockage of the urethra that makes it harder to pass urine. It can occur in men or women and may require treatments such as dilation, internal urethrotomy, Optilume™ or urethroplasty open surgery.
What is Optilume™?
Optilume™ is an innovative new treatment for urethral stricture disease. It uses a special balloon to gently widen the narrowed urethra. The balloon is coated with a medication that reduces scarring and helps prevent recurrence, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery.