Urethroplasty is the definitive and permanent repair of urinary tract obstructions known as urethral strictures, performed according to the principles of plastic surgery. This surgical intervention restores the natural pressure of urinary flow by reconstructing the narrowed or nonfunctional section of the urinary canal with healthy tissues. Unlike endoscopic methods, this operation offers a definitive solution in chronic strictures and restores the anatomical integrity of the canal by using tissue grafting and microsurgical techniques. This functional reconstruction process, which directly affects quality of life, is based on replacing hardened scar tissue in the urinary tract with flexible and living tissues.<\/p>\n
| What Is Urethroplasty?<\/span><\/td>\n | Urethroplasty is the surgical repair or reconstruction of damage to the urethra caused by congenital anomalies, trauma, infection, previous surgeries, or conditions such as urethral stricture.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n| Purpose<\/span><\/td>\n | Its purpose is to enable normal urinary flow, eliminate difficulty urinating, reduce recurrent infections, and improve quality of life.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Who Can Undergo It?<\/span><\/td>\n | It may be performed in individuals who require urethral reconstruction due to urethral stricture, traumatic urethral injuries, hypospadias complications, certain congenital anomalies, or as part of gender-affirming surgery.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Main Indications<\/span><\/td>\n | Urethral stricture, recurrent strictures, marked reduction in urinary flow, complete urethral injury, fistulas, and conditions requiring complex urethral reconstruction.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Preoperative Evaluation<\/span><\/td>\n | Evaluation may include medical history, physical examination, urinalysis, uroflowmetry, cystoscopy, retrograde urethrography, and other imaging methods when necessary.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Surgical Techniques<\/span><\/td>\n | Depending on the length, location, and cause of the stricture, end-to-end anastomosis, graft urethroplasty, flap urethroplasty, or staged reconstruction techniques may be applied.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Use of Grafts<\/span><\/td>\n | When necessary, inner cheek mucosa from the mouth (buccal mucosa), tongue mucosa, or other suitable tissues may be used as grafts. Buccal mucosa is one of the most frequently preferred grafts.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Use of Flaps<\/span><\/td>\n | In some patients, the urethra may be reconstructed using local tissue flaps with preserved blood supply.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Its Role in Gender-Affirming Surgery<\/span><\/td>\n | During metoidioplasty or phalloplasty, urethroplasty may be performed to extend the urethra to the newly created penis and allow urination from the tip.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Anesthesia<\/span><\/td>\n | It is generally performed under general anesthesia. Different anesthesia methods may be preferred in some cases.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Surgery Duration<\/span><\/td>\n | Although it varies depending on the technique applied and the scope of reconstruction, it may generally take several hours.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Hospital Stay<\/span><\/td>\n | Depending on the scope of the surgery, same-day discharge or a hospital stay of several days may be required.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Urinary Catheter<\/span><\/td>\n | A urinary catheter is generally used for a specific period after surgery to support the healing of the repair.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Recovery Process<\/span><\/td>\n | While initial recovery occurs within a few weeks, complete tissue healing and evaluation of functional results may take months.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Success Rate<\/span><\/td>\n | Although the success rate varies according to the cause and length of the stricture, the technique used, and patient-related factors, high success may be achieved in many cases at experienced centers.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Possible Risks<\/span><\/td>\n | Bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems, recurrence of the stricture, urethral fistula, urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating, and the need for additional surgery may develop.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Urethral Fistula<\/span><\/td>\n | It is a condition in which urine exits through a different opening due to the formation of an unwanted channel between the urethra and the skin, and it may require additional treatment.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Recurrence of the Stricture<\/span><\/td>\n | Some patients may develop another urethral stricture over time and may require an additional intervention.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Postoperative Care<\/span><\/td>\n | Catheter care, wound care, adequate fluid intake, avoiding strenuous physical activities, and regular medical follow-ups are important.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Return to Daily Life<\/span><\/td>\n | The return period varies according to the scope of the surgery performed and the individual\u2019s recovery rate. Following the doctor\u2019s recommendations is important for recovery.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Follow-Up<\/span><\/td>\n | During regular follow-ups, urinary flow, wound healing, possible complications, and long-term functional results are evaluated.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Expected Result<\/span><\/td>\n | After successful urethroplasty, the aim is to improve urinary flow, reduce symptoms, and preserve the long-term function of the urethra. Results may vary according to the characteristics of the disease and the surgical technique applied.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n | |