Female Urethroplasty
Female urethroplasty is a surgical procedure designed to treat urethral strictures or other urethral conditions in women. While urethral strictures are less common in women than in men, they can cause significant urinary symptoms and require intervention. This surgery aims to restore normal urine flow and alleviate symptoms.
Procedure:
- Anesthesia: The procedure is usually performed under general or regional anesthesia.
- Surgical Approach: The approach may vary depending on the location and severity of the stricture or pathology. Common techniques include:
Dilation and Internal Urethrotomy: For minor strictures, where the urethra is dilated, and scar tissue is incised.
Augmentation Urethroplasty: Uses grafts (buccal mucosa, vaginal mucosa, or labial skin) to widen the narrowed segment.
Excision and Primary Anastomosis: Removal of the stricture segment followed by rejoining the urethral ends.
Advantages:
- Effective Symptom Relief: Provides long-term resolution of symptoms.
- Restoration of Normal Urine Flow: Improves urinary function and quality of life.
- Minimal Recurrence: Lower risk of recurrence compared to non-surgical treatments.
Risks and Considerations:
- Infection: Risk of postoperative infection.
- Bleeding: Potential for bleeding during or after surgery.
- Graft Complications: Risk of graft failure or complications at the donor site.
- Urinary Incontinence: Temporary or, in rare cases, permanent urinary incontinence.
- Fistula Formation: Development of an abnormal connection between the urethra and other tissues.
