Diagnosing Urethral Stricture: Tests and Procedures for Accurate Detection
Diagnosing urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra, involves several tests and procedures to accurately determine the location, length, and severity of the stricture.
If you want to know more about urethral stricture or you experience symptoms, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and consult with the best urologists in East New York.
Here are the common diagnostic methods used:
- Medical History and Physical Examination
- Medical History — This includes questions about your symptoms (e.g., difficulty urinating, reduced urine flow, pain), previous medical conditions, surgeries, infections, or trauma.
- Physical Examination — This includes an examination of your genitals and abdomen to check signs of urinary retention or other abnormalities.
- Urine Flow Rate (Uroflowmetry)
- This will measure the speed and volume of your urine flow. A reduced flow rate may indicate the presence of a stricture.
- Post-Void Residual (PVR) Measurement
- This assesses the amount of urine remaining in your bladder after urination using ultrasound or catheterization. High PVR can suggest an obstruction like a stricture.
- Urethral Ultrasound
- This uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your urethra, helping to visualize the stricture and assess its length and location.
- Retrograde Urethrogram (RUG)
- This will take an X-ray of your urethra after injecting a contrast dye into your urethra. It provides detailed images of the urethra and helps identify the location and length of your stricture.
- Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)
- This will take an X-ray of your bladder and urethra while you are urinating after filling your bladder with a contrast dye. It can reveal abnormalities in your urethra and bladder.
- Cystoscopy
- This is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera (cystoscope) is inserted into your urethra to directly visualize the inside of your urethra and bladder. It allows for direct inspection of the stricture and assessment of its severity.
- Magnetic Resonance Urethrography (MRU)
- This is an MRI-based technique that provides detailed images of your urethra and surrounding tissues without the need for radiation exposure. It can be particularly useful if you have complex or recurrent cases.
- Urethral Calibration and Sounding
- This involves gently inserting graduated dilators (sounds) into your urethra to measure the stricture’s diameter and gauge its severity.
Each of these diagnostic tools has its specific indications and provides different types of information. Often, a combination of tests is used by your medical provider to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your stricture, guiding the choice of the most appropriate treatment options.
If you suspect or have symptoms of urethral strictures, consult your medical provider immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment plan. At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologist will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/.