Urethral Stricture Treatment In Delhi
Urethral stricture is a condition where the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, becomes narrowed due to scar tissue or inflammation. This narrowing can lead to difficulty in urination, pain, and in some severe cases, complete blockage. The condition can affect men more frequently than women and may result from a variety of causes, including injury, infections, or previous medical procedures.
At Govinda Lifecare, Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta, a renowned urologist in Delhi, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of urethral strictures using advanced medical techniques to restore normal urinary function and improve quality of life.
Symptoms of Urethral Stricture
Urethral stricture can manifest in several ways. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Weak urine flow: Difficulty in initiating urination or a weak stream.
- Frequent urination: An urge to urinate more often, especially at night.
- Painful urination: A burning sensation or discomfort during urination.
- Urinary retention: The inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to frequent visits to the bathroom.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs): The narrowing of the urethra can make it harder to empty the bladder, increasing the risk of infections.
Causes of Urethral Stricture
The narrowing of the urethra can occur due to several factors:
- Injury or trauma: Physical injuries, such as pelvic fractures or accidents, can damage the urethra and lead to scarring.
- Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause inflammation and scarring in the urethra.
- Surgical procedures: Past surgeries involving the urethra, such as catheterization or prostate surgery, may result in scar tissue formation.
- Congenital conditions: Some men may be born with a naturally narrow urethra.
- Chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes or long-term use of a catheter can increase the risk of developing strictures.
Urethral Stricture Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the severity and location of the stricture. Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta employs a variety of diagnostic tests, such as:
- Physical examination: An initial evaluation to assess symptoms and medical history.
- Uroflowmetry: A test that measures the flow of urine to detect any blockage.
- Cystoscopy: A procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera (cystoscope) is inserted into the urethra to visualize the area of stricture.
- Retrograde urethrogram: A special X-ray imaging technique to view the stricture and its location in the urethra.
- Urethral ultrasound: Helps in visualizing the structure of the urethra and detecting scarring or narrowing.
Treatment Options for Urethral Stricture
The treatment for urethral stricture depends on the severity of the condition, the location of the stricture, and the underlying cause. Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options tailored to the patient’s needs.
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
- Dilation: This procedure involves gradually stretching the narrowed portion of the urethra using specialized instruments to relieve the blockage. It is typically done under local or general anesthesia.
- Urethral Stents: In some cases, a stent (a small tube) may be placed in the urethra to hold it open and allow normal urine flow. Stents are typically used in cases where other treatments have been ineffective.
- Catheterization: A catheter may be used temporarily to drain urine from the bladder, especially in cases where the stricture is severe and causes complete blockage.
2. Surgical Treatments
When non-surgical methods are not effective, Dr. Gupta may recommend surgical treatment. These include:
- Urethroplasty: This is the gold standard surgical procedure for treating urethral stricture. It involves the removal of scar tissue and reconstruction of the urethra using healthy tissue from the patient’s body. Urethroplasty is highly effective and offers long-term relief from symptoms.
- Optical Internal Urethrotomy (OIU): In this procedure, a small scope is inserted into the urethra to cut through the scar tissue, which helps to widen the urethra. This procedure is typically recommended for shorter strictures.
- Perineal Urethrostomy: This surgery is performed when other treatments fail. It involves creating a new opening for urine to pass through, bypassing the stricture completely.
Recovery and Aftercare
After treatment for urethral stricture, recovery depends on the type of procedure performed. Most patients can expect:
- Post-procedure care: Dr. Gupta provides detailed instructions on post-treatment care, including how to manage pain, prevent infections, and follow up on healing progress.
- Regular follow-ups: Regular monitoring is essential to ensure the urethra remains open and to detect any potential recurrence of the stricture.
- Lifestyle modifications: Dr. Gupta may advise changes in diet, fluid intake, and activity level to help improve urinary health.
Why Choose Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta?
Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta is a skilled urologist with extensive experience in treating urethral stricture. With a patient-centric approach and a commitment to providing the best outcomes, he combines advanced medical techniques with compassionate care. His expertise in minimally invasive procedures ensures that patients experience faster recovery times and fewer complications. Dr. Gupta works closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.
