Medical content review by Dr. Md. Nasir Uddin in progress.
A stricture is scarring that narrows the urinary passage (urethra), after injury, infection or a catheter. Repeated stretching often fails; reconstruction (urethroplasty), sometimes using a graft from the inside of the cheek, gives a long-lasting result for many patients.
Symptom checklist
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Ask for an appointment on WhatsAppConditions treated
- Anterior and bulbar urethral stricture
- Penile urethral stricture
- Post-traumatic (pelvic fracture) urethral injury
- Recurrent stricture after urethrotomy or dilatation
- Meatal stenosis
Treatment options
Imaging (RGU / MCU)
X-ray studies show the exact length and position of the narrowing so the right operation can be planned.
Optical urethrotomy (DVIU)
The scar is cut endoscopically — suitable for selected short strictures.
Anastomotic urethroplasty
The scarred segment is removed and the healthy ends are joined.
Buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty
Tissue from the inside of the cheek widens and rebuilds the narrowed urethra — the standard for longer strictures.
Suprapubic catheter (SPC)
A temporary tube through the lower abdomen when urine cannot pass, until reconstruction.
The right option depends on your examination and tests; not every option suits every patient.
Before & after care
Before treatment
- Bring previous RGU/MCU films and operation notes
- Treat any urine infection before surgery — a urine culture is usually needed
- Tell the doctor how many dilatations or urethrotomies you have had
After treatment
- A catheter stays for about 2–3 weeks after urethroplasty
- After a cheek graft: soft diet and mouthwash for a few days
- A urine-flow test (uroflowmetry) is checked at follow-up
- Report a slowing stream early — early review is simpler
Seek urgent care if
- Unable to pass urine
- Fever with a blocked or leaking catheter
- Swelling or bleeding at the operation site
Go to the nearest emergency department, or call 01337-443602.
Questions about urethral stricture & urethroplasty
Why does my stricture keep coming back after dilatation?
Dilatation stretches the scar but does not remove it, so many strictures narrow again. Urethroplasty reconstructs the urethra and gives a longer-lasting result for most patients.
Why is tissue taken from the cheek?
The lining inside the cheek (buccal mucosa) is naturally moist, strong and heals well, which makes it an excellent graft for rebuilding the urethra. The mouth heals within a couple of weeks.