N35.11 Postinfective urethral stricture, not elsewhere classified, male

Name of the Condition

• Postinfective urethral stricture, not elsewhere classified, male

Summary

Postinfective urethral stricture, not elsewhere classified, male, is a condition where the male urethra narrows due to scarring from a prior infection. This narrowing can obstruct urine flow and cause urinary symptoms.

Causes

The condition develops from scarring of the urethra following an infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection or other bacterial urethritis. Inflammation from the infection leads to tissue damage and subsequent stricture formation.

Risk Factors

• History of urethral infections
• Recurrent or untreated sexually transmitted infections
• Prolonged catheterization or instrumentation
• Inflammatory conditions affecting the urethra

Symptoms

• Difficulty initiating urination
• Weak or intermittent urine stream
• Increased frequency or urgency of urination
• Painful urination or discomfort
• Urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may include urethroscopy to visualize the stricture, uroflowmetry to assess urine flow, or imaging studies like retrograde urethrogram to evaluate the narrowing.

Treatment Options

• Dilation: Gradual widening of the stricture using instruments.
• Urethrotomy: Endoscopic procedure to cut the stricture.
• Urethroplasty: Surgical reconstruction to permanently correct the stricture.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

With appropriate treatment, many patients experience improved urine flow. Follow-up may include periodic monitoring for recurrence or complications. Long-term outcomes depend on the severity of the stricture and response to treatment.

Complications

• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Urinary retention or incontinence
• Kidney damage from prolonged obstruction
• Increased risk of urethral strictures in the future

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Practice safe sex to reduce infection risk.
• Seek prompt treatment for urethral infections.
• Avoid unnecessary urethral instrumentation.
• Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent urinary symptoms, pain, or difficulty urinating. Early evaluation can prevent complications.

Tips for Medical Coders

Document the underlying infection history and specify that the stricture is postinfective and not classified elsewhere. Ensure clinical details support the diagnosis and align with the code's specificity.