Description
A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder. This narrowing, which is usually scar tissue, can cause urinary retention (inability to urinate). Scarring can result from inflammation or injury.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include decreased force of the urinary stream, incomplete urination, inability to urinate, discharge from the urethra, blood in the urine or semen, abdominal distention or pain.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and urine tests will likely be required. An examination of the urethra and bladder with a scope (cystoscopy) is also common.
Tests:
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), Urine Culture
Other Specific Tests: Flexible cystourethroscopy, N. Gonorrhea culture, C. Trachomatis culture, retrograde urethrogram
Specialists:
Urology, Pediatric Urology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and urine tests will likely be required. An examination of the urethra and bladder with a scope (cystoscopy) is also common.
Tests:
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), Urine Culture
Other Specific Tests: Flexible cystourethroscopy, N. Gonorrhea culture, C. Trachomatis culture, retrograde urethrogram
Specialists:
Urology, Pediatric Urology
Treatment
Treatment may include placement of a urinary catheter (a tube from the urethra to the bladder) to help with the flow of urine. During cystoscopy, stretching of the stricture (urethral dilation) may be successful. In severe cases and longer strictures, surgery may be required.