Overview
Urethroplasty is an open surgical procedure to reconstruct or replace the urethra. It is considered the gold standard for treating long, complex, or recurrent strictures.
Indications
It is recommended when less invasive methods like dilation or urethrotomy have failed, or for strictures that are too long to be treated endoscopically.
The Procedure
The surgery may involve removing the narrowed section and reconnecting the healthy ends (anastomotic urethroplasty) or using a graft (often from the inner cheek lining) to widen the urethra (substitution urethroplasty).
Recovery
A catheter is left in place for 2-3 weeks while the urethra heals. Recovery is longer than endoscopic procedures but offers a much lower chance of stricture recurrence.