Urethra Conditions

Conditions treated by Dr Basto

A urethral stricture is a narrowing or blockage of the urethra, often caused by scarring from injury, infection, inflammation or previous medical procedures. This condition can lead to difficulty urinating, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary tract infections and discomfort.

Management options vary depending on the severity and length of the stricture. Minimally invasive approaches include urethral dilation and optical urethrotomy, where the stricture is widened or cut to restore urine flow.  Newer devices use balloon expansion of the narrowings with medication coatings to maintain the stricture open. 

For more complex or recurrent cases, reconstructive surgery such as urethroplasty may be recommended to permanently remove or bypass the scarred tissue.  This can include the use of buccal mucosal graft (tissue from the inside of the cheek) to reconstruct and widen the urethra.

In some cases perineal urethrostomy may be considered, creating a new opening in the perineum for urine drainage. Treatment is tailored to the patient’s condition with a focus on symptom relief, restoring normal urinary function and preventing recurrence.

A urethral diverticulum is a pocket or pouch that forms along the urethra, trapping urine and causing recurrent infections, pain and urinary issues. Stones can also form within this cul-de-sac, and there are rare cases of cancer formation. It is more common in women.  Urethral diverticulum can be monitored with imaging such as MRI, but more typically involves surgical removal and repair to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

A urethral fistula is an abnormal connection between the urethra and another organ such as  and the skin (urethrocutaneous), rectum (urethrorectal) or vagina (urethrovaginal). This condition can result in urine leakage, recurrent infections and significant discomfort. Surgical repair is the primary treatment aimed at closing the fistula and restoring normal function.