Urethral Stricture Treatment in Birmingham
A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra (the tube through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside), caused by scarring. It reduces the diameter of the urethral channel, causing obstructive urinary symptoms. Mr Syed Ali Shahzad, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, assesses and treats urethral strictures at private hospitals across Birmingham.
Causes
- Previous urethral injury (pelvic fracture, straddle injury)
- Previous catheterisation or instrumentation
- Infection (gonorrhoea, chlamydia)
- Previous urethral surgery
- Lichen sclerosus (BXO) affecting the urethra
- Idiopathic (unknown cause)
Symptoms
- Slow or reduced urinary stream
- Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)
- Spraying or splitting of the urinary stream
- Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Post-micturition dribble
Diagnosis
Assessment includes uroflowmetry, post-void residual ultrasound, urethrogram (X-ray of the urethra) and urethrocystoscopy to define the site, length and severity of the stricture.
Treatment Options
- Urethral dilatation: Gentle stretching of the stricture using calibrated bougies. Effective for short strictures but high recurrence rates.
- Direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU): Endoscopic incision of the stricture under direct vision using a urethrotome. Most effective for short strictures without significant spongiofibrosis.
- Urethroplasty: Open surgical reconstruction of the urethra using a buccal mucosal graft or anastomotic repair. The most durable treatment for longer or recurrent strictures, with success rates over 90%.
Book a Urethral Stricture Consultation
No GP referral is required. Mr Shahzad is recognised by BUPA, AXA, AVIVA, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. Book an appointment or contact us.