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Unspecified bulbous urethral stricture, male
ICD10CM code
Name of the Condition
- Unspecified bulbous urethral stricture, male
- ICD-10 Code: N35.912
Summary
An unspecified bulbous urethral stricture refers to a narrowing of the bulbous section of the urethra, which can obstruct the flow of urine. This condition specifically affects males and can lead to various urinary issues.
Causes
- Scarring from injury or surgery
- Infections, particularly sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Inflammation or trauma to the pelvic area
Risk Factors
- Previous history of urethral injury or surgery
- Recurrent urinary infections
- Use of a urinary catheter
- Conditions like urethritis or prostatitis
Symptoms
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or reduced urine stream
- Pain during urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Incomplete bladder emptying
Diagnosis
- Physical examination by a healthcare provider
- Uroflowmetry to measure the flow rate of urine
- Cystoscopy to visualize the urethra and bladder
- Retrograde urethrogram for imaging of the urethra
Treatment Options
- Urethral dilation to widen the stricture
- Urethrotomy using an endoscope to cut the stricture
- Open urethral reconstruction surgery
- Intermittent self-catheterization to maintain urethral patency
Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Early treatment often leads to good outcomes with minimal complications.
- Regular follow-up with a urologist is crucial to monitor for recurrence or complications.
Complications
- Recurrence of the stricture
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder or kidney damage due to obstructed urine flow
Lifestyle & Prevention
- Practicing safe sex to prevent STIs
- Avoiding catheter use unless absolutely necessary
- Regular monitoring and early treatment of urinary tract infections
When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden inability to urinate
- Severe pain during urination
- Bloody urine or signs of infection
- Significant changes in urinary habits
Additional Resources
- American Urological Association https://www.auanet.org
- Urology Care Foundation https://www.urologyhealth.org
Tips for Medical Coders
- Verify the anatomical location specified as "bulbous" and "unspecified."
- Ensure correct use of the ICD-10-CM code N35.912.
- Avoid confusion with other urethral conditions by confirming the full description in patient records.