Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure that repairs the walls of the urethra in conditions like urethral strictures. Urethral strictures can occur because of scar formation at the site of trauma in the urethra. As a result of the formation of a stricture, the patient may experience symptoms like frequent urination, urinary infections, an increase in time taken to empty the bladder, and a decrease in urine flow rate. Using buccal mucosal grafts to reconstruct the urethra has a higher success rate than any other graft.
How is Urethroplasty Performed: Before, During and After
Before undergoing urethroplasty, the patient will need to undergo a few investigations like urinalysis for the presence of blood, urine culture to rule out infections, cystoscopy to locate the site of the stricture, and imaging procedures like voiding cystourethrogram.
Surgical procedures like urethroplasty include resectioning the obstructed part and joining the two normal ends. Usually, surgery can join both ends directly without using a graft. However, if it is not possible, an additional tissue or graft is used to reconstruct the urethra. The buccal mucosal graft is most commonly used out of all the possible options.
After the surgery, a catheter is placed in the urethra for approximately 2-4 weeks. Basic imaging is done to check whether healing has occurred or not. The catheter is removed if the imaging shows normal functioning of the urethra. Since urethral strictures tend to recur, especially within a few years of the surgery, the patient should follow up regularly.
Cost Of Urethroplasty
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Cost of urethroplasty in India( surgery + stay in the hospital) |
Rs 1,90,000- Rs 3,22,000 |
|
Cost of urethroplasty in Hyderabad( surgery + stay in the hospital) |
Rs. 2,86,000 |
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Number of days in the hospital |
2-3 Days |
|
Type of surgery |
Major |
|
Anaesthesia type |
General |
|
Recovery |
2-4 weeks |
|
Duration of the procedure |
3-8 hours |
|
Surgery |
Invasive |
Risks And Complications Of Urethroplasty
The most important risk associated with urethroplasty is the recurrence of the urethral stricture. Hence, regular follow-ups are advised by the doctor. A few complications related to catheters include urinary tract infections and blockage or leakage of the catheter. Other complications include erectile dysfunction, pain in the scrotum due to damage to the nerves, and leakage of urine or semen. Most of the complications are temporary and improve over time. However, stricture formation within two years of the surgery remains the most important complication.
References
- Spilotros M, Sihra N, Malde S, Pakzad MH, Hamid R, Ockrim JL, et al. Buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty in men-risk factors for recurrence and complications: a third referral centre experience in anterior urethroplasty using buccal mucosal graft. Transl Androl Urol [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2022 Mar 2];6(3):510–6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5503967/
- Mundy AR. Results and complications of urethroplasty and its future. Br J Urol [Internet]. 1993 [cited 2022 Mar 2];71(3):322–5. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8477319/
- Urethroplasty [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. [cited 2022 Mar 2]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22166-urethroplasty
- James, A. (n.d.). Best urethroplasty surgery COST in India – IndianHealthGuru. Indianhealthguru.Com. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.indianhealthguru.com/urethroplasty-surgery-India-low-cost-benefits.html
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.
Need Any Medical Help?
Talk to Our Health Care Experts!
Need Any Medical Help?
Have any Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions about BMG Urethroplasty
The length of the surgery depends mainly on the type of reconstruction that needs to be done. If the surgery requires only resectioning of the scar and joining of the normal ends, the time taken for urethroplasty is less. However, if a graft like a buccal mucosal graft is required for reconstruction, the time required for urethroplasty is more.
The recovery time after urethroplasty depends on the type of surgery that has been performed. Usually, it takes 2-4 weeks for complete recovery.
If the buccal mucosal tissue is used as a graft, then the site of tissue removal heals within 3 weeks.
After surgery, the patient should refrain from driving or sitting for prolonged hours while the catheter is in place. He should not masturbate or have sexual intercourse within six weeks of surgery.
The success rate of urethroplasty using buccal mucosal tissue for reconstruction is 81%. Buccal mucosal grafts have an advantage over other grafts as they are well adapted to moist environments, hairless, and easy to harvest.
The patient can have a normal diet after urethroplasty. His diet should include soft food items like bread, milk, fruit juice, etc., till complete recovery of buccal mucosa occurs.
In case of failure of urethroplasty, repeat surgery is done to reconstruct the urethra.
Appointment
Second Opinion
WhatsApp
Call
More
