Urethral Reconstructive Surgery (Current Clinical Urology)

the long version

The urethra is a small tubular structure that drains urine from the bladder. In women, it is about 3 cm long; in men about 20 cm long. One of the more common reasons for reconstruction of the urethra is traumatic injury. Urethral injury may be of secondary importance when the patient comes into the emergency room, but devastating urological complications, such as sexual dysfunction, incontinence, and stricture (abnormal temporary or permanent narrowing of the lumen of a hollow organ), may drastically impair quality of life in the long term. Urethral injury should be considered in the setting of penile injury, pelvic fracture, or penetrating trauma to the genitalia or pelvis. Penetrating urethral injuries may occur because of gunshot wounds or stab injuries to the penis, buttock, abdomen, or scrotum. Delayed injury may arise from a chronic indwelling urethral catheter, secondary to pressure necrosis, infection, or chemical irritation.