Urethroplasty: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
Which doctor performs urethroplasty?
Urethroplasty, a surgery that repairs a narrowed section of the urinary tube called the urethra, is performed by a urologist (urinary tract doctor). A direct primary care or concierge doctor does not perform this surgery and instead refers patients to a urologist after diagnosing the narrowing. Afterward, your primary care doctor can help with general follow-up and monitoring alongside the urologist.
What it is
Urethroplasty can be done in different ways.
- In a direct repair, the surgeon cuts out the narrow part. The two ends of the urethra are then joined together. This repair is best when the stricture is short.
- In a graft repair, the surgeon opens the urethra along the narrow part. A skin graft is then sewn on to make the urethra wider.
- Grafts can be taken from the foreskin, the lining of the mouth, and rarely from the upper inner thigh.
- A flap of normal skin can be used in place of a graft in some cases.
- Hard cases may need a two-stage approach.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Dilation is a way of stretching the urethra with a thin instrument. If dilation cannot fix the stricture, you may need surgery. Open urethroplasty may be done for longer strictures. Strictures that come back after dilation are unlikely to be cured by doing it again. In that case, urethroplasty should be considered. Treating a stricture quickly may prevent kidney or bladder problems.
How to prepare
Before urethroplasty, doctors check the following.
- They find the length and exact location of the stricture.
- They treat any urinary tract infection with antibiotics.
What happens during it
After a direct repair, a Foley catheter is placed. This is a tube that drains the bladder. In a two-stage repair, the urethra is closed about six months after the first stage if there are no problems.
Recovery
A catheter typically stays in for 3 to 21 days. The best timing has not been determined. After a direct repair, the catheter can come out once a test shows the new urethra does not leak. You should be checked often to see if the stricture comes back. Sometimes treatment needs to be repeated to remove scar tissue. A stricture may totally block urine flow. This can cause sudden urinary retention. That means you cannot empty your bladder. This must be treated quickly, so get medical care right away if you suddenly cannot pass urine.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Risks and side effects
Complications are relatively uncommon. They include trouble with erections, urinary tract infections, and loss of bladder control. A stricture can come back after any kind of treatment. This is more likely with a long stricture or one that was treated before. If the graft comes from the lining of the mouth, pain, scarring, and numbness can occur there.
Who performs it
A urologist, a doctor who treats the urinary tract, performs this procedure. Patients who need urethroplasty should go to surgeons and centers with expertise in it.
Common questions
What is a urethral stricture?
A urethral stricture is a narrowed section of the tube that carries urine out of the body, which can make urination slow or difficult. It can be caused by injury, infection, or scar tissue from past procedures.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist for urethroplasty?
Yes, most patients are referred to a urologist by their primary care or concierge doctor after tests confirm a urethral stricture. A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can refer you to a urologist and help with follow-up. The urologist then decides whether urethroplasty or another treatment is the right option.
What is recovery like after urethroplasty?
Recovery usually involves a temporary catheter. The catheter typically stays in for 3 to 21 days, but the best timing has not been determined. Your urologist will schedule follow-up visits to check for the stricture coming back.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
