What is a uretheroplasty?
A urethroplasty is a type of surgery done to repair/replace your urethra (the tube which carries urine from your bladder) after scar tissue forms inside it.
Why is it performed?
- To treat urethral strictures: A condition which causes a part of your urethra to narrow
- To treat certain inherited urinary conditions
What is a urethral stricture?
A urethral stricture is a condition which causes your urethra to narrow due to the formation of scar tissue. This can cause difficulties with urination and lead to urinary tract infections.
Symptoms
- Weak urine stream
- Bladder not emptying all the way
- Spraying urine
- Finding it hard or painful to pass urine
- Passing/feeling the need to pass urine more often or
- Urinary tract infection
Causes
- Complication of any procedure done on your urethra
- Side effect of putting a tube in to help you urinate (a catheter)
- Injury to the hip bone or pelvis
- Cancer of the urethra or prostate
- Enlarged prostate
- Sexually transmitted infection
- Radiation therapy
- Certain skin conditions in the genital area
Diagnosis
- Urine tests
- Urinary flow test
- Ultrasound of the pelvis or the urethra
- MRI
- Inserting a thin tube with a camera to look at the urethra (cystoscopy)
Treatment
- Inserting a small tube to drain your urine (catheter)
- Surgically widening the urethra by inserting a wire
- Urethroplasty
- Inserting a small tube with a camera inside and then destroying the affected region with a laser
What happens before a surgery?
Before the surgery, your doctor will
- Review your medical history to look for any allergies, or blood-related disorders, what medicines you are using and if you have suffered a urinary tract infection in the past
- Look at the affected area either via ultrasound or via inserting a thin tube with a camera into your urethra Explain the procedure, its benefits and its risks to you
- A provider may suggest placing a suprapubic catheter before the procedure. A suprapubic catheter allows you to drain your urinary bladder. It accesses your bladder through a small cut (incision) in your abdomen. A suprapubic catheter also allows your urethra time to “rest.” Your scar tissue can then become clearer before surgery. Providers usually recommend one if you must use a catheter to keep the blockage open
What happens during the procedure?
- You are given general anaesthesia and put to sleep
- The urologist will cut into your muscle tissue to reach your urethra. The incision may be:
- In the space between the genitals and anus (perineum)The underside of the penis
- In the scrotum
- They will then either remove the blockage or rebuild the blocked section
- If the blockage is longer, they’ll use tissue from another area of your body to rebuild your urethra
- Dissolvable stitches (sutures) to close the incision
- Sometimes, a surgical drain is placed to drain any fluid buildup.
- A catheter is also placed for a few days to allow the urine to pass
Duration of the procedure:
Depending upon the size of the blockage, 3-6 hours
What other Tissues are Used to Fix the Urethra?
- Mouth: They may use the lining of your cheek or the back of your lips
- Genitals: If you have a penis, a surgeon may use skin from there
- Rectum: They may remove rectal tissue through your anus
What happens after the procedure and what is the recovery like?
- You will be moved to a recovery room where you will be monitored
- You will be given specific instructions on recovery and will be sent home the same day
- You will have to attend follow-up appointments
Benefits of urethroplasty
- A relative safe procedure with a low risk of complications
- Success rate of about 80-90%
Risks
- Anaesthesia-related problems
- Healing issues
- Catheter leakage
- Infection
- Nerve-related problem leading to numbness in feet, elbow or fingers
- Urination issues
- Problems with erection
Recovery time
- Return to school or work takes about 2-4 weeks
- Avoid sitting for long periods while you have a catheter in place
- Avoid sexual activity for 6 weeks after the catheter is removed
- Avoid climbing high steps or any activity which spreads your legs far apart
- You will be given a special mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and allow your mouth to heal if tissue has been taken from there
- Return to school or work takes about 2-4 weeks
When to contact your doctor?
- Trouble urinating
- Frequently get urinary tract infections
- Stitches open up
- Bleeding
- Pus-like fluid seen
- Catheter blockage
- Painful erections
Myths and Facts
Having a catheter after surgery means the operation didn't work
A urinary catheter is routinely left in place after urethroplasty to allow the repaired urethra to heal. It is a normal part of recovery and is usually removed after healing has been confirmed
Urethroplasty is only a temporary fix
Urethroplasty is considered the most durable treatment for many urethral strictures and offers high long-term success rates compared with other procedures
Urethroplasty always causes erectile dysfunction or sexual problems
Most patients recover well after urethroplasty. Although sexual side effects can occur, they are uncommon, and your surgeon will discuss any individual risks before surgery
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Urethroplasty [online]. Available from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22166-urethroplasty. Accessed on 14 July 2026
- Mayo Clinic. Urethral stricture: Symptoms and Causes [online]. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urethral-stricture/symptoms-causes/syc-20362330 . Accessed on 14 July 2026
- Mayo Clinic. Urethral Stricture [online]. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urethral-stricture/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20556091. Accessed on 14 July 2026
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