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Reconstructive Urology · Imphal

Urethral stricture:
a narrowed urine passage.

Scar tissue can narrow the urethra and slow the urine stream. Here is how it is diagnosed, the treatment options — from dilatation to urethroplasty — and why the right first choice matters.

● Uroflowmetry in-house● Retrograde urethrogram● Urethrotomy & urethroplasty

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Dr. Nameirakpam ShantajitMBBS (SPMC Bikaner) · MS Surgery & M.Ch Urology (RIMS Imphal) · MMC Reg. No. MNP 150

Common signs

Usually in men, and often developing slowly.

Weak, thin or spraying stream
Straining or taking a long time to empty
Feeling of incomplete emptying
Repeated urine infections
Sudden inability to pass urine (emergency)

Causes

Why strictures happen

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Injury

A fall astride a hard object (bicycle bar, wall), or a pelvic fracture in an accident.

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Previous instruments

Catheters, scopes or earlier surgery through the urethra can leave scarring.

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Infection & inflammation

Past infections and a skin condition called lichen sclerosus can cause scarring.

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No clear cause

In some men no cause is found.

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Repeated procedures

Each repeated cut or dilatation can lengthen the scar over time.

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Untreated stricture

Can lead to infections, stones, bladder damage and kidney strain.

Diagnosis

Mapping the narrowing

Uroflowmetry

In-house flow test — strictures give a typical flat, low flow curve.

Ultrasound

Checks how much urine is left in the bladder and the kidneys.

Retrograde urethrogram (RUG)

An X-ray with dye that shows exactly where the stricture is and how long it is.

Urethroscopy

A camera look at the narrowing when needed.

Treatment

Choosing the right repair

Short, first-time stricture

Urethrotomy (DVIU)

A thin scope with a tiny blade opens a short narrowing from inside — no cut on the body. Works best for short, first-time strictures.

Selected cases

Dilatation & self-dilatation

Gentle stretching, sometimes followed by regular self-dilatation at home to keep the passage open.

Long or recurrent stricture

Urethroplasty

Open reconstruction — the scar is removed and the urethra rejoined, or widened with a graft (often from inside the cheek). Gives the most lasting results for longer or recurrent strictures.

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Why repeated cutting isn't the answer

Each repeat urethrotomy or dilatation is less likely to work, and can make the scar longer. If a stricture keeps coming back, urethroplasty is usually the better long-term option — this is discussed with you based on the urethrogram.

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Go to the nearest hospital emergency if you have

Unable to pass urine, with a painful swollen lower belly
Fever with chills along with difficulty passing urine
Bleeding from the urethra after an injury — do not try to pass a catheter at home

WhatsApp numbers and the chatbot are not emergency services.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is a urethral stricture?

It is a narrowing of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) caused by scar tissue. It slows the urine stream and can cause infections and difficulty passing urine.

Can a stricture be treated without a cut on the body?

Short strictures can often be opened from inside with a thin scope (urethrotomy). Longer or recurrent strictures usually need urethroplasty for a lasting result.

Why does my stricture keep coming back after dilatation?

Dilatation and urethrotomy stretch or cut the scar, but scar tissue can re-form. With each repeat, success becomes less likely, which is when urethroplasty is considered.

What is urethroplasty?

An operation that repairs the urethra — either by removing the scarred segment and joining the healthy ends, or by widening it with a graft, often taken from inside the cheek.

How is a stricture followed up?

With regular flow tests (uroflowmetry) and symptom checks, so any narrowing is caught early.

Is it an emergency if I can't pass urine?

Yes. Go to the nearest hospital. With a known stricture, tell them, as a normal catheter may not pass and a urologist may be needed.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Nameirakpam Shantajit, M.Ch Urology (MMC Reg. No. MNP 150) · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026

Urethral stricture:a narrowed urine passage.