Urethroplasty

Dr Philip T K is a highly skilled and experienced surgeon specializing in urethroplasty. Throughout his tenure at the Department of Urology at BJMC Pune, he has successfully performed complex urethroplasty procedures, consistently achieving exceptional outcomes. His expertise extends to intricate cases involving extensive stricture lengths, multiple failed surgeries, repeat procedures, and urethral strictures combined with other medical conditions. Dr Philip’s meticulous surgical techniques ensure rapid healing of the buccal mucosa graft, minimizing discomfort and infection risks.

Urethroplasty Procedure

  • Initial Examination

During your initial consultation, we will conduct routine blood and urine tests to evaluate kidney function, perform a urine culture, and complete a preoperative assessment. Additionally, a cystoscopy and a retrograde urethrogram (RGU) X-ray will be scheduled to precisely determine the location, length, and severity of the stricture. Dr. Philip will take the time to address any questions or concerns you may have, thoroughly explaining the details, potential complications, and anticipated outcomes of the surgical procedure. Both the cystoscopy and RGU are brief, minimally uncomfortable procedures performed in our office.

Advantages of Urethroplasty?

  • Permanent Solution: Urethroplasty offers a long-term solution for urethral strictures compared to temporary measures like repeated dilatations or urethral stents. It aims to permanently widen or reconstruct the urethra, providing lasting relief from symptoms.
  • Improved Urinary Function: By widening or reconstructing the urethra, urethroplasty restores proper urinary flow, reducing or eliminating symptoms such as difficulty urinating, urinary retention, weak stream, and urinary tract infections.
  • Reduced Risk of Complications: Urethroplasty is associated with lower rates of complications compared to other treatments like repeated dilatations or urethral stents. Complications such as urinary tract infections, bleeding, and damage to surrounding tissues are minimized with urethroplasty.

Side effects of Urethroplasty

  • Urinary incontinence: In some cases, individuals may experience urinary incontinence following urethroplasty, particularly if the surgery involves the sphincter muscles that control urine flow. This is more common in complex cases and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the extent of the surgery and individual factors.
  • Recurrence of urethral stricture: Despite successful urethroplasty, there is a risk of urethral stricture recurrence over time, requiring further treatment or repeat surgery.
  • Erectile dysfunction or sexual dysfunction: Depending on the type and location of the urethroplasty, there may be a risk of erectile dysfunction or other sexual dysfunction. This risk is generally low but may occur, particularly if the surgery involves structures that affect sexual function.
  • Urethral fistula: In some cases, a connection (fistula) may develop between the urethra and surrounding structures, leading to leakage of urine. This complication may require further surgical correction.

Is Urethroplasty Safe

Overall, urethroplasty is considered a safe and effective procedure, particularly when performed by experienced urological surgeon like Dr Philip in appropriate surgical settings. The success rate of urethroplasty is generally high, with many patients experiencing long-term relief of symptoms and improved urinary function.

When Urethroplasty is needed?

  • Urethral trauma sustained during road traffic accidents, straddle injuries, or other incidents.
  • Congenital conditions affecting the urethra during childhood, such as epispadias or hypospadias.
  • Prior surgical interventions involving the urethra.
  • Injuries resulting from catheterization procedures.

What would disqualify me from Urethroplasty Surgery?

  • Any infection of the urinary tract.
  • Medical health issues such as cardiac problems, uncontrolled hypertension, or diabetes, where anaesthesia poses a life-threatening risk.

How much does Urethroplasty cost in Kollam?

The cost of urethroplasty is determined by several factors, including the severity of the affected area, which influences the size of the graft, the duration of the surgery, and the length of the postoperative stay. These factors can contribute to the overall cost of the procedure. It is advisable to consult with the doctor to obtain a precise estimate of the expenses involved.