Reconstructive Surgery Videos

A stricture is a region of narrowing in the urethra that is usually made up of scar tissue. Strictures occur much more commonly in men than in women. They may occur congenitally after trauma to the urethra or after a severe bout of urethral inflammation due to an infection. Normally, the urethral tube is wide enough to allow an adequate stream of urine to flow through during urination. When a stricture occurs, the urine stream is noticeably decreased; therefore, people may need to strain to urinate; may notice a weak stream; or may be unable to urinate. Those who have strictures need to see a urologist who is adept at performing repairs.

A urologist can fix a blocked urethral opening (lumen) by performing an endoscopy or a urethroplasty.

1. Endoscopy. A fiber-optic camera is used to visualize the area of diseased tissue causing a narrowed urethral lumen.

2. Urethroplasty. This is a more effective and durable method for repairing most urethral strictures.

Penile prosthesis is also a common form of reconstructive surgery. Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotency, occurs when a man cannot keep a firm erection during intercourse. ED has many causes such as heart disease, prostate cancer, Peyronnie’s disease, and diabetes. Emotional factors, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, can also lead to impotence. One of the most reliable solutions to ED is the penile implant. The penile implant has several components including two water-filled cylinders in the penile shaft, a water-balloon reservoir deep in the lower abdomen, and a button in the scrotal sac that allows the patient to inflate and deflate the penile cylinders whenever he wants an erection.