Best Hospital for Urethral Stricture in India

What is Urethral Stricture?

Urethral stricture is a very common condition where the urethral tube (the passage through which urine is released from the bladder to the outside of the body) becomes narrowed. This narrowing occurs due to damage or injury to the urethra, which leads to the formation of scar tissue that contracts and reduces the urethral lumen.

Urethral strictures can occur anywhere along the urethra, decreasing its diameter and causing urinary difficulties such as a thin urinary stream and difficulty urinating. This condition is more common in males than in females and children.

Causes of Urethral Stricture

Trauma to the pelvic region, sexually transmitted infections, and urethral instrumentation are several potential causes of damage or loss of urethral lining leading to stricture formation.

Accidents and Trauma

The urethra can become damaged if the region below the scrotum is injured, or if the hipbone is broken in an accident. Pelvic fractures or direct trauma to the perineum are common causes.

Infections

Sexually transmitted infections, particularly gonorrhea and chlamydia, are known causes of urethral stricture. These infections can cause inflammation and scarring of the urethral lining.

Medical Procedures

Urinary catheters and other urologic endoscopic interventions (such as procedures for prostate or kidney stones) can cause trauma to the urethra, resulting in stricture formation.

Other Causes

In rare cases, strictures can be congenital (present from birth) or may have no clear identifiable cause.

Signs and Symptoms of Urethral Stricture

Patients with urethral stricture typically experience:

• Reduced urinary stream caliber (weak urine flow)
• Difficulty or straining while passing urine
• Pain or discomfort during urination
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Abdominal pain
• Urethral discharge
• Increased frequency of urination during the day and night

Investigations Prior to Treatment

Before starting treatment, a comprehensive evaluation is essential. This includes:

• Blood and Urine Tests: Basic laboratory tests to assess overall health and kidney function
• Urinalysis and Urine Culture: To rule out urinary tract infections
• STD Testing: Tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other sexually transmitted diseases
• Urinary Flow Rate: Measurement of how fast urine flows
• Ascending Urethrography: An X-ray procedure where contrast medium is inserted into the urethra to outline its structure and determine the location and severity of the stricture
• Cystoscopy: A telescopic examination of the urethra and bladder to visually confirm the diagnosis

Choosing the best hospital for urethral stricture treatment in India ensures access to all these diagnostic facilities and expert interpretation of results.

Urethral Stricture Treatment Options

Treatment is essential as untreated strictures can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, testicular complications, bladder enlargement, and kidney problems due to urinary retention.

The treatment approach for recurrent urethral stricture varies depending on the degree of tissue blockage or scarring:

• Dilation: Manual enlargement with incremental stretching of the stricture using progressively larger instruments
• Urethrotomy: A procedure that involves cutting through the stricture using a scope with either a laser or a knife blade
• Open Surgery (Urethroplasty): Surgical removal of the stricture and reconstruction of the urethra, sometimes using grafts to replace damaged tissue

Why Choose the Right Hospital?

Selecting the best hospital for urethral stricture treatment in India is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. The right medical facility should have:

• Experienced urologists specializing in urethral stricture
• Advanced diagnostic equipment and imaging facilities
• Comprehensive treatment options including both conventional and alternative approaches
• Post-treatment care and regular follow-up services

At our Ayurvedic Urology Center, we offer specialized treatment for urethral stricture using traditional Ayurvedic methods combined with modern diagnostic approaches. Our unique facility provides comprehensive care with a focus on natural healing and patient well-being, offering an effective alternative to surgical interventions.