Urethral Stricture Disease

Your urethra is a tube that passes urine outside your body, but when you have urethral stricture disease, injury, infection, or swelling, it blocks this tube. At the office of Gregory Amend, MD, in the Upper East Side neighborhood of New York City, New York, you can get a swift diagnosis and treatment for this painful condition. Call the office or use the online scheduling tool to receive expert guidance for urethral stricture disease. 

What are the symptoms of urethral stricture disease?

You might have urethral stricture disease if you develop symptoms, such as:

• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Spraying of the urine stream
• Decreased volume in the urine stream
• Difficulty, straining, or pain when urinating
• Increased urge to urinate

Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also be an indication of the condition.

Why did I develop urethral stricture disease?

The scar tissue that leads to urethral stricture disease can occur due to:

• Injury or trauma to the urethra or pelvis
• Long-term or intermittent use of a catheter
• A medical procedure that involved inserting an instrument into the urethra
• Surgery to refine an enlarged prostate
• Cancer of the prostate or urethra
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Radiation therapy

Men are more likely to develop urethral stricture disease as compared to women.

How do you treat urethral stricture disease?

Amend provides treatment only if the stricture is causing pain or other complications. Treatment options depend on the nature of your urethral stricture but may include:

Catheterization

When you have a urine blockage, Dr. Amend inserts a catheter, or small tube, into your bladder to drain the urine. 

Dilation

Dr. Amend inserts a tiny wire through the urethra. This wire manages dilators that progressively widen the size of the urethral opening. 

Urethroplasty

Dr. Amend performs this surgery by removing the narrowed area of your urethra. He may also choose to enlarge it or reconstruct the surrounding tissue. 

Endoscopic urethrotomy

Amend inserts a device called a cystoscope into your urethra through which he inserts instruments that remove the stricture or dissolve it. 

Implanted stent or permanent catheter

Patients with a severe stricture who don’t qualify or want surgery may opt for a permanent stent placement to keep the urethra open. 

You’re at risk of developing another urinary stricture, even after treatment. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Amend can catch these early and help you avoid the most invasive treatments. 

If you’re struggling with urethral stricture disease, call the office of Gregory Amend, MD, today or use the online scheduling tool. Dr. Amend can guide you on the right treatment path to relieve you of distressing symptoms.