Urethroplasty Melbourne
Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra caused by scar tissue, which can result from injury, infection, inflammation, or previous instrumentation. This narrowing restricts urine flow and can cause significant voiding difficulties. Dr Dias offers comprehensive treatment for urethral strictures, ranging from minimally invasive endoscopic procedures to open reconstructive surgery (urethroplasty). The treatment approach is tailored to each patient based on stricture location, length, cause, and previous treatments.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr Brendan Dias
Consultant Urologist & Robotic Surgeon · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Urology), IntFRCS (England), FUSANZ, FRACS (Urology)
Last clinically reviewed: 26 August 2026
Benefits
- Restores normal urinary flow and bladder emptying
- High long-term success rates with urethroplasty (85-95%)
- Reduces risk of urinary tract infections and bladder damage
- Eliminates need for repeated dilations or self-catheterisation
- Improves quality of life significantly
- Tailored approach based on stricture characteristics
The Procedure
Treatment depends on stricture characteristics. Optical urethrotomy (endoscopic incision) is suitable for short, simple strictures but has higher recurrence rates. Urethroplasty is open reconstructive surgery offering the best long-term results. Techniques include excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) for short strictures, where the narrowed segment is removed and healthy ends rejoined, and substitution urethroplasty using buccal mucosa (inner cheek lining) or skin grafts for longer strictures. Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, typically taking 2-4 hours depending on complexity.
Who Is a Candidate?
Urethral stricture surgery is recommended for men with symptomatic strictures causing weak stream, straining, incomplete emptying, or urinary retention, recurrent strictures after previous endoscopic treatment, long or complex strictures unlikely to respond to minimally invasive treatment, and strictures causing recurrent urinary infections or bladder stones. Preoperative assessment includes urethrography (X-ray imaging) and cystourethroscopy to define stricture location and length.
Recovery
A urinary catheter remains in place for 2-3 weeks after urethroplasty to allow healing. Most men take 2-3 weeks off work; those with physical jobs may need 4-6 weeks. Avoid straining, heavy lifting, and strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks. A voiding trial is performed after catheter removal to confirm successful repair. Follow-up includes flow rate testing and may include repeat imaging to monitor for recurrence. Most patients notice dramatic improvement in urinary symptoms.
Risks & Considerations
Urethral stricture surgery risks include bleeding, infection, wound complications, and anaesthetic risks. Specific risks include stricture recurrence (5-15% for urethroplasty, higher for endoscopic treatment), erectile dysfunction (uncommon, more likely with repeat surgery), urinary incontinence (rare), fistula formation (rare), and donor site complications if grafts are used (temporary numbness or tightness in the mouth for buccal grafts). Dr Dias will discuss how these apply to your specific situation.