Diagnosis

Diagnosis of urethral strictures requires a careful evaluation of the patient’s clinical history, a physical examination of the patient, as well as various clinical investigations.

Uro-flowmetry

Uro-flowmetry: A simple investigation that can be performed in the urological out-patient office. The patient urinates normally into a special container connected to a computer, that registers the volume and velocity of the urine stream. To perform this test, no specific preparation of the patient is required, except for a full bladder in order to urinate.
flussimetro
uroflussimetria_normale
uroflussometria_in_paziente_con_stenosi

 

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography: The exam is performed after the uroflowmetry and helps evaluate whether the patient succeeded in completely emptying the bladder by urinating. The presence of urine in the bladder after micturition can be related to urethral stricture.

Urethrography

Urethrography: This radiological examination of the urethra is performed with the use of contrast medium. Retrograde and voiding urethrography is the most basic exam for studying the urethra. Non- urethral surgery can be planned without having performed this exam. The exam is composed of two phases:

  • Retrograde urethrography: A small catheter is positioned in the urethra and the contrast medium is injected through the catheter to visualize the urethral canal. This exam does not require any preparation, but it must be performed with the full cooperation of the patient, who is required to tolerate the discomfort of the catheter and the contrast medium flowing through the urethra. Patients with a history of a previous allergic reaction to the contrast medium (iodine) need to inform the doctor prior the investigation.
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uretrografia_retrograda_normale
uretrografia_retrograda_patologica
  • Voiding cystourethrography: Once the bladder is filled with the contrast medium, the patient is asked to urinate in order to visualize the urethral canal.
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cistouretrografia_minzionale_normale
cistouretrografia_minzionale_patologica

Urethral Ultrasonography

Urethral ultrasonography: This exam is performed using an auxiliary ultrasonic probe that is placed on the penis or perineum. It is a simple and entirely painless exam, which does not require any specific patient preparation.
ecografia_uretrale_normale
ecografia_uretrale_patologica

Urethroscopy

Urethroscopy: This procedure is performed in an operating room with the patient under anesthesia to allow for an easy and painless exam. The examination consists in introducing a metal instrument into the urethra in order to visualize the urethral canal from the inside. The instrument, which can come in different sizes, is inserted into the external urethral meatus and is carefully moved through the urethra until it reaches the bladder.
cistoscopio
uretra_normale
uretra_con_stenosi

In some patients, further examinations may be required such as CT, NMR, Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP), and Urodynamics test.