Definition:
Urethroplasty is an operation done to repair the flaw or injury in the walls of
urethra. The urethra is the tube connecting urinary bladder to the outside of the
cadaver. Its function is to drain the urine out of the body. Urethroplasty is performed
under general anesthesia with the help of two techniques.
- Anastomotic Technique:- In this method, the conical part
of the urethra is cut. Then, and the proximal and distal parts are re-joined. A
Foley’s catheter may be left in to ensure complete healing and repair for the next
2 weeks. This method of Urethroplasty is used for small urethral strictures that
are less than 2 cm wide.
- Tissue Transfer:- This method involves grafting of skin and tissue
from a non-hair bearing part of the body like the buccal mucosa or bladder mucosa.
Full Thickness Skin Grafts or Split Thickness Skin Grafts can be used for this function.
Purpose:
- The Urethroplasty surgery is carried out to relieve pain and uneasiness during voiding,
reduction in urine flow, problem of repeated urination.
- Another purpose of doing this is to correct the infection in urinary tract.
Precautions:
The first precaution involves use of a soft cushion while sitting. Another thing
your doctor will ask you to refrain from playing sports. You will also have to avoid
lifting heavy objects and having sexual intercourse.
Pre and Post Care:
On admitting to the hospital, your doctor will take your complete physical examination
involving the use of x-rays also. Then, you will be asked to undergo a urine culture
for infection. Retrograde Urethrogram (RUG) and Voiding Cystoureogram (VCUG) will
also be performed to check the health conditions. The doctor will also ask you to
stop smoking few weeks before the surgery.
When you have undergone the surgery, your surgeon will give you pain medications
and antibiotics to fight pain or infections. The catheter will remain attached for
3 or 4 days for the drainage.
Risk Factors:
As this surgery is performed in the genital part of men, certain risk factors accompany
this procedure.
- Reappearance of urethral stricture
- Infection in the urinary tract
- Fistula
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
Hospital Stay:
In order to undergo the physical examination, x-rays, the surgery and recovery,
you will be required to stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. This will depend on
the procedure and recovery strength of the patient
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