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Urethroplasty is a surgical procedure that repairs damage to your urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This procedure can treat a variety of urethral conditions, such as strictures, which are caused by scarring or injury, or fistulas, which are abnormal connections between the urethra and other organs. At Circle Health Group, our specialist consultants provide private urethroplasty services to help you get back to a normal, healthy life.
There are several different types of urethroplasty, including anastomotic urethroplasty, augmented urethroplasty, barbagli urethroplasty, buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty, and bulbar urethroplasty. Our specialists will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.
Urethroplasty is a highly specialised and delicate procedure that requires the skills of an experienced surgeon. At Circle Health Group, we have a team of specialist consultants who are highly trained and experienced in performing private urethroplasty procedures. Our private urethroplasty service ensures that you have access to the latest treatments, advanced technologies, and highly skilled surgeons.
For more information on urethroplasty or other conditions, our experienced urologists are here to help you. Call us or book online today and you could have your initial consultation within 48 hours.
There are a variety of conditions that can lead to damage to the urethra and require a urethroplasty to correct, including:
Urethral strictures
Urethral strictures are a common condition that occurs when the urethra becomes narrow, causing difficulties with urination. A variety of factors can cause this, including injury, surgery, or infections.
Urethral strictures can cause a number of symptoms, including a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, and an inability to empty the bladder completely. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Urethral trauma
Urethral trauma is another common cause of damage to the urethra that may require a urethroplasty. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including blunt force trauma, pelvic fractures, and certain medical procedures.
Symptoms of urethral trauma can include pain during urination, blood in the urine, and difficulty with urination. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a common condition that affects many people and can be caused by a variety of factors, including weakened pelvic muscles and damage to the urethra. This can cause leakage of urine and a loss of control over urination.
If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.
Hypospadias
Hypospadias is a congenital condition in which the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. This can cause difficulties with urination, sexual function, and self-esteem. A urethroplasty can correct this condition and improve quality of life.
Penile prosthesis complications
Penile prosthesis complications can lead to erosion, infection, or extrusion of the device. In these cases, a urethroplasty can be used to repair the damaged area and restore normal function.
Female urethral strictures
Female urethral strictures are a less common but still significant condition in which the urethra becomes narrow, leading to difficulty in urination, incontinence, and infection. A female urethroplasty can be used to repair the damaged area and restore normal urination.
At Circle Health Group, our experienced urologists are well-versed in all aspects of urethroplasty and can help you determine if this procedure is the best option for your unique situation. If you are experiencing any of the conditions mentioned above or have any questions about urethroplasty, we encourage you to book a consultation with one of our specialists. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to help you achieve your best possible health outcomes.
Making a diagnosis is the first step in any medical journey and it's no different when it comes to a urethroplasty. Your specialist consultant will take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history and concerns. Your specialist consultant will take the time to listen to your concerns, provide a thorough examination and discuss your treatment options. This is your opportunity to ask questions and understand the options available to you.
Your initial consultation will involve a comprehensive medical examination. Your specialist consultant will ask you a range of questions to better understand your symptoms, medical history and concerns. They will then perform a physical examination to help make an accurate diagnosis.
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your specialist consultant may recommend that you have further tests or scans. This could include laboratory tests, imaging tests or urological tests. We will only recommend tests if they are necessary to help make a diagnosis or to help determine the best course of treatment.
Your specialist consultant will recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. They will take into account a range of factors including your symptoms, medical history, test results and personal preferences. We use the latest evidence-based treatments and techniques to ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Before undergoing a urethroplasty, your consultant will provide you with a list of preoperative instructions. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome. They may ask you to undergo a physical examination, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic tests to determine your overall health and suitability for the procedure. In addition, your consultant may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
Lifestyle changes that can help you be as fit as possible before surgery
A healthy lifestyle can help you prepare for your urethroplasty and speed up your recovery. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the procedure:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Stay hydrated
- Exercise regularly
- Stop smoking
Preparing your home for your return
It is important to prepare your home for your return after the urethroplasty. Here are a few tips to help you get your home ready:
- A clean and clutter-free environment can help you feel relaxed, avoid trips or falls and reduce the risk of infection
- A comfortable bed can help you get a good night's sleep, which could speed up your recovery
- Make sure you have everything you need within reach, such as water, medicine, and a phone, so you do not have to strain yourself while recovering
There are several types of urethroplasty, including anastomotic urethroplasty, augmented urethroplasty, barbari urethroplasty, buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty, and bulbar urethroplasty. Each of these techniques is used to treat urethral strictures in different ways and the best type of urethroplasty for each individual will depend on their specific case.
The length of the urethroplasty procedure will vary depending on the type of procedure being performed and the severity of the urethral stricture. On average, a urethroplasty procedure can take anywhere from two to four hours.
The type of anaesthetic used during a urethroplasty will depend on the individual case, but typically, general anaesthesia is used. This means you will be completely asleep and will not feel any pain during the procedure.
What actually happens during the procedure?
The aim of urethroplasty is to repair the urethra and restore its normal function. During your operation, your surgeon will make an incision in the urethra and remove the affected tissue. They will then repair the urethra using a piece of tissue from another part of the body, such as the buccal mucosa, or by reconnecting the two ends of the urethra. The incision is then closed and the patient is monitored until we are sure they are recovering well after the procedure.
Recovering from a urethroplasty is an important and individualised process, as every person's experience will be different. The typical recovery timeline and expectations can vary, depending on the type of urethroplasty procedure you have had and your individual health. Your consultant will give you a more tailored estimation, based on your personal circumstances.
The average recovery timeline for a urethroplasty procedure can range anywhere from several weeks to several months. The recovery time for a bulbar urethroplasty may be shorter than for a two-stage urethroplasty. but everyone's experience is different.
Most patients will typically spend one to two nights in the hospital. During this time, you will be closely monitored by your healthcare team and receive pain management and wound care as needed.
Will I be able to drive home?
No, you will not be able to drive yourself home after a urethroplasty procedure. It is important to have a family member or friend drive you home and stay with you during the initial stages of recovery.
How soon can I go back to work?
The time it takes to return to work after a urethroplasty procedure can vary, but most patients can return to work within one to two weeks. However, it is important to consult with your consultant about when it is safe for you to return to work, as this can depend on the type of work you do and your individual health.
How soon can I drive?
The time it takes to return to driving after a urethroplasty procedure can vary, but most patients can start driving again within two to four weeks. However, it is important to consult with your specialist as well as your insurance provider about when it is safe for you to return to driving, as this can depend on your individual health and the specifics of your procedure.
When will I be back to normal?
Most people can return to normal activities within four to six weeks. It is important to remember that recovery from a urethroplasty procedure is a gradual process, and everyone's experience will be different. By following your consultant's instructions, taking proper care of your wound, and allowing yourself adequate time to rest and recover, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Some of the general risks and complications associated with urethroplasty include bleeding, infection, and blood clots. There are also specific risks related to the procedure, such as scarring, dissatisfaction with the results, and a need for revision surgery.
There are also risks associated with the type of urethroplasty being performed, such as anastomotic urethroplasty, augmented urethroplasty, barbagli urethroplasty, bulbar urethroplasty, and buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty. For example, there is a risk of loss of length after anastomotic urethroplasty.
Your consultant will tell you everything you need to know about the risks and possible complications of urethroplasty before you decide to have surgery.
How much does urethroplasty cost?
Urethroplasty cost varies depending on the type of procedure, the location of the surgery, and the individual's insurance coverage. In the UK, urethroplasty costs can range from a few thousand pounds for a simple procedure to tens of thousands of pounds for more complex operations. It's important to note that urethroplasty is often considered a medically necessary procedure and is therefore typically covered by insurance. However, it's always best to check with your insurance provider to determine what portion of the cost, if any, you may be responsible for.
If you don't have private health insurance but would still like to go private with Circle Health Group, you can use our self-pay option and, if you like, you can spread the cost of your treatment using our flexible payment options.
Is urethroplasty major surgery?
This will depend on what type of urethroplasty you are having and why. Some urethroplasty procedures are considered minor and can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia, while others may require a more complex surgical approach and general anaesthetic.
How long does it take to heal from urethroplasty?
The length of time required for recovery from urethroplasty will vary depending on the type of procedure, the extent of the damage to the urethra, and the individual's overall health. In general, most people will require several weeks to fully recover from a urethroplasty procedure. However, some patients may experience longer recovery times, especially if they underwent a complex or multi-stage procedure. It's important to follow your healthcare team's postoperative instructions closely to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
Is urethroplasty painful?
Urethroplasty can be associated with some level of pain or discomfort following the procedure, but the level of pain experienced will depend on the type of procedure, the extent of the damage to the urethra, and the individual's overall health. Pain can typically be managed with pain medication prescribed by your consultant. In general, most patients will experience a gradual improvement in their symptoms and level of pain as they progress through recovery and aftercare.
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
- Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard and delicious healthy meals
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to learn more about this procedure, book your appointment online today or call a member of our urology team directly on 0141 300 5009.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in March 2023. Next review due March 2026.
- Urethroplasty, Cleveland Clinic
- Urethroplasty, The Center for Reconstructive Urology
- Urethroplasty (Buccal Patch or Anastomotic), NHS – Newcastle upon Tyne
- Urethroplasty, Science Direct
- Urethroplasty, University of Utah
- Urethroplasty, University of Virginia
