N35.111

Clinical Causes: Previous urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially if recurrent or severe Infections caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia Trauma or injury to the urethra, often related to catheterization or instrumentation procedures Malignant or benign growths that cause scarring of the urethra Inflammatory conditions affecting the urethra

Key Symptoms: Difficulty initiating urination Weak or interrupted urine stream Straining to urinate Frequent urge to urinate or feeling that the bladder is not fully emptied Blood in the urine (hematuria) Discomfort or pain at the meatal area In some cases, urinary retention

Diagnosis Path: The diagnosis of postinfective urethral stricture involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic procedures. These methods include: - **Physical examination:** Evaluating the meatal area for signs of narrowing or scarring. - **Urinalysis:** Detecting signs of infection or blood. - **Uroflowmetry:** Measuring the flow rate of urine to assess obstruction. - **Retrograde urethrography:** Imaging technique where contrast dye is injected into the urethra to visualize the narrowing. - **Cystoscopy:** A procedure using a thin camera to view the urethra and bladder directly. - **Urodynamic studies:** Assessing bladder and urethral function.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options focus on relieving the urethral narrowing and preventing recurrence. These include: - **Dilation:** Gradually widening the constricted area using dilators. - **Urethrotomy:** Endoscopic incision into the stricture to open it up. - **Surgical repair:** Urethroplasty, a surgical procedure to remove or bypass the scar tissue, is often required in complex or recurrent cases. - **Management of underlying infection:** Ensuring that any infections are adequately treated to prevent further scarring. - **Follow-up care:** Regular monitoring to detect potential re-narrowing early.