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Urology (Expert Forum)
fibrotic urethra
Answered by
Stephen Liroff, MD - Urology, Pediatric Urology, Peyronie’s disease
Henry Ford Hospital
West Bloomfield - MI
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
fibrotic urethra
by awsm1, Jun 30, 2008 01:37PM
About 10 years ago I had Brachetherapy(sp) for prostate cancer. Things went well, though I did have to use Flomax. Just last year, almost overnight, I could not urinate. The Doctor discovered scar tissue in the urethra in and around the sphincter and explained it was the result of an over dose of radiation. I now have to catheter myself daily in order to urinate. He states that he must go in and expand the sphincter in order to discover what exactly is going on. He says that most probably I will be incontinent after that. My options at that point are to remain incontinent or have an artificial valve inserted.
I have 2 questions: Why would it suddenly occur overnight after 10 years? Are there any alternatives like drug therapy, etc that will correct my situation?
I have 2 questions: Why would it suddenly occur overnight after 10 years? Are there any alternatives like drug therapy, etc that will correct my situation?
Doctor's Answer
by Stephen Liroff, MD, Jul 02, 2008 11:37PM
, Jul 02, 2008 11:37PM
I assume that you have been cystoscoped (looking into your bladder with a telescope).lIf you have a stricture (cicumferential scarring of the urethra), then only cutting the scar from inside or stretching it will remove the obstruction. Stretching it (dilatation) may leave you incontinent but most likely the scar will reform and then you will be able to hold your urine again. This may take some time (months) to occur. Cutting the scar has a greater chance of leaving you permanently incontinent. Since you are able to catheterize, I wonder if the prostate tissue, either cancerous or benign, has grown enough to keep you from urinating. Your PSA should be checked and you may actually need to have your prostate rebiopsied.
A cystometrogram may help to make sure that your bladder is functioning properly, which is another cause for inability to empty.
S.A.Liroff, M.D.
"This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. It
does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Henry Ford Hospital or the
Vattikuti Urologic Institute. Please consult your physician for diagnostic
and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.”
A cystometrogram may help to make sure that your bladder is functioning properly, which is another cause for inability to empty.
S.A.Liroff, M.D.
"This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. It
does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Henry Ford Hospital or the
Vattikuti Urologic Institute. Please consult your physician for diagnostic
and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.”
