DOES A MAN EXPERIENCE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION AFTER URETHROPLASTY?

There are many surgeries possible to fix stricture urethra but Urethroplasty is considered as the standard of care for urethral stricture disease. Urethroplasty is the fixing of scar tissue in the urine channel from the bladder out the penis and improves urine flow. Usually, it is not common to have trouble with sex after urethroplasty surgery. With its superior long-term success rates, it has largely replaced endoscopic procedures done to treat stricture urethra.

The goal of urethroplasty is to restore voiding function and now best urethroplasty surgeons in Delhi, India have started focussing towards avoiding complications like sexual dysfunction after the urethroplasty. As with any other genital urinary surgery, there is a possibility of injury to the cavernous nerves or erectile tissue in the penis or a chance of penile shortening affecting a man’s sexual functions.

Post urethroplasty sexual dysfunction is caused due to several factors and its true incidence is unknown. Though sexual dysfunction is rare but urethroplasty followed by a pelvic fracture has the highest chances of sexual dysfunction.

Patients have the following concerns for Urethroplasty surgery:

DOES URETHROPLASTY LEAVE ANY SCAR ON THE PENIS?

Urethroplasty is a complicated surgical procedure therefore, not all the Urologists feel confident to perform the surgery. Therefore, if the surgery has been done by a trained reconstructive urologist and with care after the surgery, this rarely leads to scar formation on the penis.

WHAT GUIDELINES NEED TO BE FOLLOWED AFTER URETHROPLASTY?

If the surgery is done good then patients recover in a shorter period of time after the procedure but the swelling may take weeks to fade away. A catheter is placed for 10 to 20 days after surgery.

Our doctors at medical treatment centre recommend the following guidelines for faster healing:

Ice Packs for scrotal and perineal surgery especially in first 48 hours of the surgery.

Avoid the ice in direct contact with the skin for a long time. If swelling still persists and is severe then it is advisable to consult the surgeon immediately.

WHEN CAN A PATIENT START HIS NORMAL ACTIVITY AFTER URETHROPLASTY?

Most patients remain hospitalized for a day or two after surgery. Patients are instructed to limit their activity for 2 weeks after surgery, or until the catheter is removed. You may return to work when comfortable, but you should limit heavy lift or any extended walking or running.

WHEN CAN A PATIENT START HIS SEXUAL ACTIVITY?

This varies from case to case, based on the type of surgery has been done. Most patients are instructed to abstain from any sexual activity for 40–45 days or until at least most swelling has resolved.