The modern approach to urethral stricture disease begins with a full evaluation including urethral imaging, so a treatment plan can be based on the location and length of the stricture. A dilation or urethrotomy is one option, especially when the stricture is very short, without significant scarring, or when the goal is to obtain some improvement -- even temporary -- with the least invasive approach. Dilation and urethrotomy, however, may not be good options, as when strictures are recurrent or complicated. The trauma of dilation and urethrotomy can even lead to worsening of the disease.

Urethral stents are available, and the technique has the advantage of being less invasive than open surgery, but this procedure is only suited to certain strictures. The outcomes are not as good as with open surgery, and the long-term results are unknown. Patients who suffer complications of the urethral stent may have a far more complex medical picture than they had prior to placement of the stent. For this reason, we recommend this option rarely.

A properly performed open urethral reconstruction is the best option for initial management in many cases. Anastomosis procedures have a success rate of over 98%, offering a permanent widening of the urethra without requiring catheterization or other procedures to maintain the result. When tissue transfer is needed, the success rate is slightly lower but still roughly 90%.

Modern surgical techniques -- performed by a specialist in urethral reconstruction using dedicated instruments and equipment -- are associated with high cure rates and a low complication rate. In many cases, open urethral reconstruction is the approach of choice for the treatment of urethral stricture disease. At the Center, our thorough evaluation will ensure that the best treatment plan is made for each individual.