Urethral Stricture Disease

If you are a man, you are at greater risk than a woman is for a urologic condition called urethral stricture. In fact, urethral stricture is rare in women.

Fortunately, the urology specialists at UMass Memorial have extensive training and experience in treating urethral stricture disease, which translates into consistently good outcomes for our patients.

Dr. Cotter is the only fellowship trained expert in Central Massachusetts. 

What is urethral stricture disease?

A urethral stricture is scarring in or around the urethra, the passageway that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This scarring narrows or blocks the passageway, which can reduce urinary flow, cause more frequent urination, and lead to urinary tract infections, prostatitis, urinary retention and kidney damage.

What Causes Urethral Stricture Disease?

Inflammation, infection and injury are the most common causes of this condition.

Treatment For Urethral Stricture Disease Available at UMass Memorial

UMass Memorial’s urology specialists have extensive training and experience in treating urethral stricture disease.

• To guide treatment decisions, a thorough diagnostic workup may include advanced imaging techniques and endoscopic evaluations to identify the precise location and severity of the stricture
• Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for urethral stricture disease that is causing symptoms. Surgical options include:
  • Dilation – Gradually stretching the stricture(s)
  • Urethrotomy – A minimally invasive procedure in which the stricture is cut with a laser or scalpel using a special cystoscope that’s inserted into the urethra
  • Anastomic urethroplasty – Surgical removal of the stricture, then reconstruction of the area with grafts

The most appropriate treatment depends on how severe the stricture is. When the risk of complications is low, watchful waiting may be the best option. In more severe cases, a surgical approach is the best option.

Based on the experience of UMass Memorial’s urology team, the long-term prognosis for urethral stricture is good.