Urethral Stricture Disease in Dubai

Urethral stricture disease occurs when scar tissue narrows the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. This narrowing reduces urine flow and can cause urinary symptoms such as straining, pain, or a frequent need to urinate. Common causes include injury or trauma, infections, or complications from medical procedures like catheterization or prostate surgery. Over time, untreated strictures may lead to complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or even kidney damage.

In Dubai, our specialized Urology department offers advanced care for patients with urethral stricture disease. Our experienced urologists use the latest diagnostic tools and minimally invasive techniques to accurately locate and treat strictures. We tailor every treatment plan to each patient’s needs, helping restore normal urinary function and improve quality of life.

Common symptoms

Urethral stricture symptoms often develop gradually. Men may initially notice a weaker urine stream or difficulty starting to urinate. Common symptoms include:

Weak or slow stream: Urine flow is significantly reduced, and may spray or dribble.
Straining or difficulty: Needing to push or strain to begin urination.
Incomplete emptying: Feeling that the bladder isn’t fully emptied, even after urinating.
Frequent urination or urgency: A constant feeling of needing to urinate, even shortly after a trip to the bathroom.
Pain or burning: Discomfort or a burning sensation while urinating (dysuria).
Recurrent infections: Frequent urinary tract infections due to urine remaining in the bladder.
Blood in urine: Occasionally seeing blood (hematuria), or experiencing acute urinary retention (complete inability to urinate, which is a medical emergency).

Diagnosis of BPH

Early diagnosis of a urethral stricture leads to better outcomes. Our Dubai urology team begins with a detailed medical history and physical exam, asking about symptoms and any prior surgeries, injuries, or catheter use. Diagnostic tests may include:

Urinalysis: Examining urine for infection, blood, or other abnormalities.
Uroflowmetry (urine flow test): Measuring the strength and rate of your urine stream.
Post-void ultrasound: An imaging scan to check how much urine remains in the bladder after urination.
Retrograde urethrogram: An X-ray with contrast dye injected into the urethra to show exactly where and how long the stricture is.
Cystoscopy: A thin, flexible camera (cystoscope) is gently inserted into the urethra to directly visualize the narrowing.

These tests allow our specialists to pinpoint the stricture’s size and location, enabling an accurate and targeted treatment plan.

Treatment Options

Treatment for urethral stricture disease depends on the stricture’s length, location, and the severity of symptoms. Our Dubai urology experts provide personalized care and offer both minimally invasive and surgical options. Common treatment approaches include:

Catheterization: A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the bladder to relieve blockage and drain urine. This is often used temporarily to bypass the stricture or when an infection is present. Antibiotics are given for any urinary infection. For some short strictures, patients learn intermittent self-catheterization at home to maintain flow.
Urethral dilation: Gradually stretching the narrowed area using a series of dilators. This outpatient procedure widens the urethra and often relieves symptoms quickly. Dilation may need to be repeated if scar tissue recurs.
Urethrotomy (endoscopic incision): An instrument is inserted through a cystoscope to cut the scar tissue and open the urethra. This minimally invasive procedure is done under local or light anesthesia. Recovery is usually quick, but strictures can recur and may require further treatment.
Urethroplasty (reconstructive surgery): Surgical removal of the narrowed segment of the urethra, followed by reconnection of the healthy ends or grafting new tissue. Grafts often come from the patient’s own mouth or skin. Urethroplasty offers the best chance for a long-term cure. It typically requires a short hospital stay and a catheter for a few weeks during healing.
Stents or long-term catheters: For patients who cannot have surgery, a permanent stent or a suprapubic catheter (placed through the lower abdomen) may be used to keep urine flowing. These are usually last-resort options and require careful follow-up.

Our clinic uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure safe, effective treatment. We always tailor the approach to each patient’s needs and explain all options so you can make an informed decision about your care.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prevent urethral stricture disease?

While not all strictures can be prevented, certain measures can reduce your risk. Protecting the groin during contact sports (wearing a jockstrap) helps prevent injuries. When catheterization is needed, our doctors use proper lubrication and gentle technique to minimize urethral trauma. Practicing safe sex and treating any urinary infections promptly also reduce risk. However, some strictures develop without a clear cause, so always consult a doctor if you notice any urinary symptoms.

What are the risks if a stricture is left untreated?

Untreated strictures can lead to serious complications. Residual urine may cause recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or bladder wall thickening. In severe cases, urine can back up to the kidneys (hydronephrosis), potentially causing kidney damage or even failure. Acute urinary retention (complete inability to urinate) is an emergency. Timely diagnosis and treatment help prevent these risks.

How long does treatment take and what is recovery like?

It depends on the treatment method. Dilation or endoscopic urethrotomy are often outpatient procedures, allowing most patients to go home the same day. Many notice improved flow within days. Reconstructive urethroplasty is more involved: typically a 1–2 day hospital stay, with a catheter in place for a couple of weeks. Full recovery may take several weeks, but most patients gradually return to normal activities in 4–6 weeks or less.

Which specialists treat urethral strictures in Dubai?

Urethral strictures are treated by urologists specializing in urinary tract conditions. Our Dubai clinic has a team of experienced urologists and reconstructive surgeons dedicated to stricture care. Our doctors stay up-to-date on global best practices and advanced techniques. If you or a loved one needs help, our Urethral Stricture Disease doctors are ready to provide personalized, compassionate care.

Will my symptoms return after treatment?

Many patients experience lasting relief, especially after urethroplasty, which has very high success rates. However, scar tissue can sometimes recur over time. Regular follow-up is important to catch any recurrence early. If symptoms do return, simple outpatient treatments like dilation can often be performed again. Our goal is to minimize recurrence with the best possible initial repair.

Don’t wait to get help for urinary symptoms. Contact our Urology Department in Dubai today for an evaluation. Our expert urologists will assess your condition, explain the best treatment options, and help you regain healthy urinary function. Schedule a consultation now for personalized care and peace of mind.