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A urethral
stricture is scarring that narrows the urethra.
A urethral stricture most commonly results from previous infection or injury. A less forceful urinary stream or a double stream usually occurs with mild strictures. Severe strictures may completely block the stream of urine. The buildup of pressure behind the stricture may cause the formation of passages from the urethra into the surrounding tissues (diverticula). By decreasing the frequency or completeness of urination, strictures often lead to urinary tract infections.
A urologist diagnoses a stricture by looking directly into the urethra through a flexible viewing tube (cystoscope) after administering a lubricant containing a local anesthetic. To widen the urethra, a urologist may dilate or cut (urethrotomy) the stricture. Urethral strictures can recur and may require excision of the scar and surgical reconstruction of the urethra, sometimes with a skin graft.
Last full review/revision February 2003
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