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A urethroplasty is a surgery performed to treat a stricture or narrowing in the urethra. This often develops in male patients as a result of pelvic trauma or a sexually transmitted urinary tract infection. Patients with a urethral stricture will notice a slowing of their urinary stream and incomplete bladder emptying. The diagnosis of a urethral stricture is made by cystoscopic visualization of the narrowing and an x-ray image of the urethra called a retrograde urethrogram. A urethroplasty surgery is performed under a general anesthetic. The diseased portion of the urethra is removed and healthy tissue is used to repair the injured area. Patient's will generally have to have an indwelling bladder catheter for several weeks following this surgery to allow for proper healing.Urinary control and sexual function are typically not impacted by this surgery.
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