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What is Urethroplasty?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A urethroplasty is a surgical procedure to repair defects in the urethra such as strictures caused by repeat infection or scarring from previous surgeries. The supervising surgeon is usually a specialist in urology, and the patient will need to go under general anesthesia. Several days of bed rest usually follow the procedure, and patients will wear a catheter while the urethra heals. It can take several weeks to return to normal after a urethroplasty surgery.

The first step in this procedure is medical imaging studies of the urethra to learn more about the nature of the problem and confirm the choice of surgery for treatment. The patient may need to take tests where a technician fills the bladder with contrast dye so a doctor can follow fluid as it moves out of the bladder and through the urethra. Patients will also receive a thorough evaluation to check for contraindications for surgery, like underlying diseases that might be dangerous. Once care providers clear the patient for surgery, the patient can select a date for the urethroplasty.

Defects in the urethra are repaired during urethroplasty.
Defects in the urethra are repaired during urethroplasty.

In surgery, the doctor will make an incision to access the urethra. For small defects, the surgeon may simply cut out the damaged part and create an anastamosis by sewing the ends together. In the case of larger defects, a graft using neighboring tissue is an option, and the surgeon will actually rebuild the urethra to resolve the problem. The surgeon will make sure the work is sound and then close the incision and allow surgical staff to take the patient to recovery.

Most patients will need a catheter to drain urine while the body heals after surgery.
Most patients will need a catheter to drain urine while the body heals after surgery.

Postoperative care for urethroplasty includes regular maintenance of a urinary catheter to make sure the patient is safely draining urine and to check for any signs of infection or other complications. The patient also receives analgesia to address pain and discomfort. Once it is safe to move around, even if the patient remains in the hospital, he will need to walk and stretch to prevent blood clots and muscle atrophy. The doctor will eventually remove the catheter and may request follow-up testing to make sure the surgery was successful.

Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure to repair defects in the urethra.
Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure to repair defects in the urethra.

A doctor usually recommends urethroplasty when a patient has a congenital defect or has incurred so much damage to the urethra that the doctor has concerns about the patient's health. For very young patients like babies with urethral defects, a neonatal surgeon performs the procedure, because there are special surgical considerations for children, especially infants.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon183328

I recently had a urethroplasty and i had this urgency about seven days after the surgery. It feels like the urine isn't going in the catheter fast enough. Need help as to how to resolve this!

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    • Defects in the urethra are repaired during urethroplasty.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Defects in the urethra are repaired during urethroplasty.
    • Most patients will need a catheter to drain urine while the body heals after surgery.
      By: sudok1
      Most patients will need a catheter to drain urine while the body heals after surgery.
    • Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure to repair defects in the urethra.
      By: Kot63
      Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure to repair defects in the urethra.
    • Several days of bed rest is generally recommended following a urethroplasty.
      By: Dmitriy Melnikov
      Several days of bed rest is generally recommended following a urethroplasty.
    • The incision site during a urethroplasty should be kept clean in order to avoid infection.
      By: dacasdo
      The incision site during a urethroplasty should be kept clean in order to avoid infection.
    • Cloudy urine while wearing a catheter may be an indicator of a urinary tract infection.
      By: Alexander Gospodinov
      Cloudy urine while wearing a catheter may be an indicator of a urinary tract infection.
    • Recovery time for a urethroplasty varies from patient to patient.
      By: Monkey Business
      Recovery time for a urethroplasty varies from patient to patient.