Urethroplasty

Urethroplasty, also called urethral reconstruction, is a surgical procedure to repair or rebuild the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. It’s designed to restore normal urine flow and help you urinate more comfortably.

It’s most often performed to treat a urethral stricture, a narrowing that can make urination difficult or painful. During surgery, the narrowed section is repaired by removing scar tissue and widening or rebuilding the area. This approach addresses the underlying cause and helps reduce the risk of the stricture returning.

At Penn Medicine, surgeons are experienced in complex urethral conditions and use advanced techniques, including minimally invasive urologic approaches when appropriate. These methods can help reduce discomfort, limit scarring, and support smoother recovery.

Before recommending reconstruction of the urethra, your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Urethroplasty may be a good option if:

• You have a urethral stricture that keeps coming back.
• You were born with a urinary condition that was repaired in childhood but now causes a blockage.
• Other treatments, like dilation or internal procedures, haven’t provided lasting relief.
• Your symptoms affect daily life, including a weak urine flow or repeated infections.

During urethroplasty surgery, the surgeon repairs the narrowed part of the urethra. This can include removing scar tissue and reconnecting healthy sections. In some cases, tissue from another area of your body, often the inside of the cheek, is used to help widen and strengthen the repair.

You’ll receive anesthesia, so you’re asleep and comfortable during the procedure. Surgery typically lasts several hours, depending on the complexity of the repair. Most people stay in the hospital for a short time afterward. 

When you return home, you’ll have a catheter in place to give the urethra time to heal. Your care team will walk you through catheter care and explain what to expect as you recover.

Healing takes time, but improvement often begins within a few weeks. Follow‑up visits allow your doctor to check progress and make sure healing stays on track.

Over the next several weeks, normal activities can usually be added back gradually. As healing continues, you should notice stronger urine flow and fewer symptoms. With time and regular checkups, it’s common to return to daily routines with greater comfort and confidence.

Choosing where to have urethral reconstruction surgery is an important decision. At Penn Medicine, care is centered on your long‑term health and quality of life. When you partner with our team, you benefit from:

• Expert care for complex cases: Our specialists are experienced in a wide range of urethral conditions.
• Personalized treatment plans: Care is designed around your body, symptoms, and goals.
• Advanced surgical techniques: Minimally invasive options are used when appropriate to help promote faster recovery.
• Ongoing support: A responsive team listens, answers questions, and guides you through each step of care.

From your first visit through recovery, experienced specialists are here to help you heal and feel better as you return to your everyday activities.