A tube that carries urine from the bladder to expel is known as urethra. In urethral stricture, the urethra narrows, so the flow of urine is restricted.  This condition mainly affects men. 

The constriction of urethra is usually due to tissue inflammation or a presence of scar tissue. There can be many factors that result in scar tissue. Young boys who have gone through hypospadias surgery (a method to correct an underdeveloped urethra) and men who have penile implants have a higher chance of developing urethral stricture.

Common causes of urethral stricture

Commonly there are three types of traumas that can lead to urethral stricture, they are: injury, infection and idiopathic. 

1. Injury - Includes straddle injury like bicycle accidents or getting hit in an area close to the scrotum.
2. Infection - Urinary tract infection and infection caused by sexually transmitted disease can cause urethral stricture.
3. Idiopathic - sometimes there is no known cause of urethral stricture, it arises due to uncertain circumstances.

Other causes of urethral stricture may include:

• Radiation
• Catheter insertion
• Pelvic fractures
• Prostate surgery
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia

In rare cases it could be a sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhoea or chlamydia, repeated urinary tract infection or a tumour located close to the urethra. 

(Image Adapted from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
Fig.1. Normal Groin vs Urethral Stricture

Risk factors for urethral stricture

Some men are more at risk of developing urethral stricture. The risk factors for urethral stricture includes 

• If they have had one or more sexually transmitted diseases
• Had a recent catheter placement
• Had urethritis due to an infection
• Have an enlarged prostate

Urethral stricture treatment

Non-surgical

A medical instrument called the dilator can be used in an outpatient procedure. A small wire is passed through the urethra and into the bladder to dilate it. Gradually, large dilators will increase the size of the urethra. Catheter placement is another non-surgical approach. This procedure is done only in severe cases as it poses a risk of bladder irritation and urinary tract infection. 

Surgical

An open urethroplasty is an option for severe cases of strictures. The procedure involves getting rid of the affected tissue and reconstructing the urethra. 

(Image Adapted from urologistinpune.com)
Fig.2. Surgical treatment for urethral stricture

Urine flow diversion

In extremely bad cases a complete urine flow diversion may be necessary. This kind of surgery permanently reroutes the flow of urine to an opening in the stomach region. A part of the intestines is used to help connect the ureter's opening. This procedure is only performed if the bladder is beyond repair or needs to be removed. 

However, there are many drawbacks to the conventional urethral stricture treatment. These include:

• High rate of infection
• Irreversible damage to the urinary tract
• High rate of recurrences
• It is extremely painful
• Procedures are highly invasive
• Can cause sexual dysfunction
• Overall quality of life is affected

Regenerative solution for urethral stricture

A permanent cure for urethral stricture can be achieved with UREGROW® by Regrow Biosciences. It is a one-time-treatment that uses patients' own Epithelial cells as a therapeutic tool. The process includes extraction of buccal cells from the inner cheek, multiplication of buccal cells and then implantation of cultured Epithelial cells. As these Epithelial cells are implanted, an epithelialization layer of new tissue is regenerated at the stricture site, relieving the patient of his symptoms. It removes stricture, restores urethra functions and naturally preserves the urethra.

• It is natural and biological.
• It restores the normal flow of the urine
• restores sexual functions
• improves the quality of life.

Since cells are procured from the patient's own body, there are no chances of rejection, making this therapy side-effect free. Regenerative medicine can cure urethral stricture, it is a permanent and painless treatment that helps one avoid societal taboos which come with the disease. Being vigilant and getting regular check-ups is the key to preventing and treating urethral stricture.

Regrow Biosciences is India's leading institution that works with Cell Therapy. It believes in cutting-edge innovation and delivering regenerative medicine-based solutions for the finest human healthcare. Our treatment is a clinically new, meaningful and biological mode of therapy that offers the possibility of durably treating with lesser hospital stays and fuller recovery.

For more information, visit https://www.regrow.in/