Urethraplasty recovery

[Stephen1256]

Hello all, I’m 20 days post op from a urethraplasty , where they took a chunk out of my cheek to repair.  It was a very big stricture 11cm. In size.  Went to have first follow up tests and cath removal, but penis swelling was still way too much for that to happen.  Set appointment out another 10-14 days in hope of swelling to subside enough.  My doctor said because of the size of the stricture , and how invasive it was , taking longer to heal is not uncommon.  Just curious if anyone else has gone through this and how the outcome went.  I’ve noticed a big reduction in swelling in the scrotum but my penis is still really swollen.  Thanks in advance for any comments, this has been one heck of a journey so far

[Lothson]

Your experience sounds roughly the same as mine, but I had a smaller stricture that didn’t require a buccal graft, so I’d say you’re probably on track and doing well. Full healing can take up to a year. That said, ask your doctor about the swelling, if you haven’t already. I used ibuprofen and cold compresses. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery

[Stephen1256]

Thank you for responding, I really appreciate it.  Can I ask how long it’s been for you now and if everything is ok?  I’m basically doing the same for swelling, along with very tight underwear and using something called arnica per my doctor.  But speaking with and reading 1st hand of others that have gone through this , I find is very helpful, especially for the mental side. I have read and heard it definitely takes months and up to a year to fully recover . So thank you for that reassurance  as wellI . Sometimes I just get stressed out that it’ll never heal, so that helps.  I hope all is well, and again really appreciate you responding

[NYC_PoPo]

I had the urethroplasty surgery with buccal graft performed in May of 2023 in Mount Sinai in NYC.   Thankfully healing is going well with no complications other than losing the ability to pee in a straight stream.  Now it exits like a V shape forcing me to sit on a toilet - no problem while using a urinal.  I can live with that.  The abdominal catheter direct to bladder for 3 weeks was particularly discomforting and limited my sleeping, walking and exercise. Surely the worst part of the surgery. Stitches in my penis finally disappeared at the six-month stage.  I continue to have numbness in my cheek area - I'm guessing likely due to the severing of nerve endings during graft.  The tissue has mostly grown back but i now have a protruding piece of small tissue in that area so no longer a smooth cheek when i rub my tongue there.  I found boxer-briefs to be best choice when leaving the house.  Otherwise "Commando" with loose sweatpants was most comfortable.  Good luck with your healing post-op.  I have no regrets on having the surgery performed - helped by having a World Class Surgeon who specialized in this unique urological area.