In his statement, Prof. Dr. Zafer Aybek, faculty member of PAU Hospitals, Department of Urology, shared the following information:

“The urethra is the canal that allows urine to pass out from the bladder. The narrowing that occurs in this canal is called urethral stricture. When a stricture occurs, problems such as difficulty urinating, thinning of the urine stream, frequent recurrent infections, and even complete inability to urinate may be encountered. The most common causes of urethral stricture include previous urological procedures, traffic accidents, past urinary tract infections, and congenital structural differences. Patients usually present with complaints such as difficulty urinating, thinning or dribbling of urine, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, and recurrent infections. In the first stage, the closed method, endoscopy, can be applied. However, this method provides a limited solution and should not be repeated more than twice. Otherwise, future treatment may become more difficult. In recurrent strictures, the most reliable and permanent method is urethroplasty surgery. In this surgery, the narrowed area is widened using a special tissue taken from the inside of the patient’s mouth. Oral tissue adapts easily to its new place, does not grow hair, is well-nourished thanks to its strong vascular structure, and provides reliable long-term results.”

 

Prof. Dr. Zafer Aybek: “Urethroplasty performed using oral tissue offers solid and permanent results in the long term.”

Referring to the fact that urethroplasty surgeries have been frequently performed in the Urology Clinic of Pamukkale University (PAU) Hospitals since 2014, Prof. Dr. Aybek continued his words as follows:

“To date, more than 500 surgeries have been performed, and our center has become one of the leading clinics in Turkey in this field. Urethral stricture is a problem that makes patients’ lives difficult. However, when treated with the right method, it can be permanently resolved. With the right method, it is possible to regain quality of life. Endoscopy may be the first option in suitable patients, but it should not be insisted upon more than twice. In recurrent strictures, urethroplasty is a permanent and reliable solution.”