What is the overall success rate of a urethroplasty?

This article here below outlines the recovery time associated with urethroplasty, as well as a detailed description of how it is performed, as esteemed consultant urologist, Mr Rowland Rees, explains all.

What is a urethroplasty, and how long does it take?

A urethroplasty is surgical procedure that is performed to repair a urethral stricture. It normally takes between three to six hours to complete.

How is it performed?

Usually, an incision is made over the area of the stricture in the penis, scrotum, or perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus). After the surgery has been performed, a urethral catheter normally is left in for two to four weeks.

What is recovery time like?

In terms of recovery, the majority of patients will have to stay in hospital overnight after surgery. Patients will be encouraged and advised to rest for two weeks before returning to work and/or normal daily activities.

How often will I need to have follow-up appointments after a urethroplasty?

Patients are required to have follow-up appointments every three to six months in their first year after surgery.

Will I suffer recurrent strictures?

It is common for patients to experience recurring strictures. These strictures can cause obstructions, but can be treated internally by cutting the stricture with a scope procedure.

What is the overall success rate of a urethroplasty?

Generally, strictures can be resolved in 75 to 85 per cent of cases. Should your strictures come back, only about a half of them cause symptoms. For example, if a stricture comes back, it has to be very tight to cause blockage of urinary flow, just like the original stricture.

If you would like to schedule in an appointment with Mr Rowland Rees, you can visit his Top Doctors profile today to do just that.