Most urethral strictures are caused by injury or infection. The main symptom is difficulty passing urine. In at least half of patients, urethral strictures come back within two years after they have a surgical operation called optical urethrotomy to stretch their urethral stricture.

What causes recurrent urethral stricture?

Risk factors for recurrence include previous internal urethrotomy, strictures located within the penile or membranous urethra, strictures of >2 cm in length, multiple strictures, UTI at the time of procedure, and strictures associated with extensive periurethral spongiofibrosis.

How can recurrent urethral stricture be prevented?

Several solutions for stricture recurrence have been suggested, including endoscopic resection of callus or injection of steroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide. Clean intermittent self-catheterization can prevent stricture recurrence, provided it is continued for more than 12 months.