Urethroplasty for Female Urethral Stricture during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Challenging Clinical Experience
Published: 2023-09-14
Page: 104-107
Issue: 2023 - Volume 6 [Issue 1]
Sunayana Chatterjee *
Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra 411043, India.
Devendra Kumar Jain
Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra 411043, India.
Rishabh Mehta
Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra 411043, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, managing female urethral strictures posed distinct challenges. Scar tissue development within the urethral sub-epithelial tissue led to constriction, causing lower urinary tract symptoms. Traditionally, urethral dilation was employed, but high recurrence rates prompted a shift towards formal urethroplasty. We observed 36 patients during this pandemic, gathering data on stricture management. Those with Q max >10 ml/sec underwent conservative measures; Q max <10 ml/sec cases received urethroplasty with vaginal mucosal grafts. The pandemic's impact on healthcare necessitated cautious surgical planning, while strict protocols ensured patient and staff safety. Prompt intervention remains vital for improved outcomes in female urethral stricture cases.
Keywords: Urethral stricture, COVID-19, urethroplasty, personal protective equipment, micturating cysto-urethrogram