For patients and families
Urethral stricture
A patient guide to urethral stricture: what the narrowing is, why repeated dilation often does not last, and how to start a reconstructive review.
01 / Understand
What is a urethral stricture, and how is it repaired?
The urethra is the channel that carries urine out of the body. A urethral stricture is a scarred, narrowed segment that weakens the urinary stream, makes emptying difficult, or causes infections. Repeated dilations or internal incisions often provide only temporary relief. Urethroplasty (open surgical reconstruction, sometimes using a graft) may provide a more durable repair for many patients. The approach is tailored to where the narrowing is, what caused it, and what treatments have already been tried.
From the patient FAQ: What is a urethral stricture, and how is it repaired?
02 / Next
Records first, then a conversation
The most useful items are:
- Imaging: CT urogram, MRI, retrograde/antegrade studies, or ultrasounds. The actual images matter, not just the reports; for many patients, asking the imaging center for CDs is still the simplest way to get a complete copy.
- Operative notes from any prior urinary-tract surgeries.
- Procedure and cystoscopy reports, including stent or tube changes.
- A brief timeline of your symptoms and treatments, plus recent kidney-function labs.
Having these ready before your first call makes the review more useful. Contact the office and speak with the scheduling team about the best way to submit records for your case.
From the patient FAQ: What records should I gather before reaching out?
All appointments and surgery are scheduled through NYU Langone Health. Sending your records first helps the team review your case before you visit.
This is a personal educational website by Lee C. Zhao, MD, MS. Content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Viewing this content does not create a physician-patient relationship. Not affiliated with NYU Langone Health.