Trauma procedures among causes of urethral stricture

KOTA BARU: Nearly 30% of the causes of urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra) occur due to trauma procedures like inserting urinary catheters and surgical equipment.
Head of Urology Unit of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kubang Kerian, Datuk Dr Azhar Amir Hamzah said, in addition 55% was caused due to road accidents and the rest due to infection, kidney stones and injection of impurities.
"The problems associated with the urinary tract particularly narrowing of the urethra is traced to the history of the fitting of the urinary tube. This problem not only brings discomfort to the patient but the risk of affecting other organs, especially the kidneys and intestines.
"In this regard, HUSM held a symposium on this issue that is rarely given attention when compared to other disease awareness campaigns," he said.
He was speaking to reporters at HUSM's Urology Unit's First Symposium of Peno-Urethral Reconstructive Surgery, inaugurated by the Director of Health Campus Prof Dr Ahmad Sukari Halim here, yesterday. — Bernama