Urethral Dilation or Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU)
Stretching or cutting scar tissue in the urethra (urethral stricture) to open the urinary tract and allow easier passage of urine and semen. This is done endoscopically (through a telescope placed in the urethra).
Urethroplasty is formal reconstruction of the urethra affected by urethral stricture (scar tissue). This may involve removal of the scarred segment or may involve adding tissue to the urethra to make it wider. This tissue may include skin, or tissue from the inside lining of the cheek (oral mucosa).
Surgery to make an opening of the urethra behind the scrotum to allow easier passage of urine. This is done in select cases of urethral stricture depending on the length and location of scar tissue, and a person’s overall health.
Hypospadias occurs when the opening of the urethra (urinary pipe) is on the underside of the penis and does not come to the tip. This can affect urination and sometimes fertility. Surgery (urethroplasty) may be required to repair this and to repair complications of previous hypospadias repairs.
Pelvic Fracture Urethral Injury Management
The urethra (urinary pipe) may be injured in the course of pelvic fracture and lead to narrowing (stenosis) that requires surgery (urethroplasty) for repair.
Urethral Diverticulum Excision
A diverticulum is an outpouching of the urethra where urine can pool and where cancers can form. Treatment requires surgery to remove this area.
Urethrocutaneous Fistula Repair
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two adjacent structures, in this case the urethra and skin. This may be due to injury, infection or another disease process, or previous surgeries, and may be repaired with surgery.
Recto-urethral Fistula Repair
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two adjacent structures, in this case the rectum and urethra. This may be due to surgery or radiation in the pelvis, and may require surgery for repair.
Male Urinary Incontinence Management
Incontinence in men may result from surgeries or radiation to the pelvis or sometimes nerve damage.
This can be managed with several different surgeries including:
- Male Sling – a piece of mesh is used to create a support “hammock” that helps compress the urethra and decrease leakage
- Artificial Urinary Sphincter – a balloon (“cuff”) that sits around the urethra and is inflated (with fluid) at rest. The cuff can be opened using a small (internal) pump to open the urethra and urinate.