N99.111 Postprocedural bulbous urethral stricture, male

Name of the Condition

• Postprocedural bulbous urethral stricture, male
• Alternative Term: Urethral stricture post-surgery

Summary

• Postprocedural bulbous urethral stricture in males is a narrowing of the urethra in the bulbous section that occurs as a complication following a surgical procedure. This can impede normal urinary flow and cause discomfort.

Causes

• This condition typically develops after medical procedures involving the urethra or pelvis, such as catheterization, prostate surgery, or trauma from surgical instruments.

Risk Factors

• Undergoing urological surgeries, repeated catheter use, or previous history of urethral trauma.

Symptoms

• Symptoms may include a weak urine stream, difficulty in urinating, frequent urination, pain in the pelvic area, or urinary tract infections.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, patient history, imaging techniques like ultrasound or retrograde urethrogram, and cystoscopy to visually assess the urethra.

Treatment Options

• Treatments include urethral dilation, surgical incision (urethrotomy), or open surgical reconstruction (urethroplasty). These interventions aim to restore normal urine flow by widening the narrowed area.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good, though strictures may recur. Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor symptoms and detect any recurrence early.

Complications

• If untreated, it can lead to chronic urinary retention, recurrent infections, bladder stones, or kidney damage.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Reducing risk by avoiding unnecessary catheterization when possible and following post-surgical care instructions. Maintaining good hydration and promptly addressing urinary symptoms can help manage the condition.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek medical help if experiencing severe difficulty urinating, intense pelvic pain, or signs of a urinary infection such as fever or pain during urination.

Additional Resources

• American Urological Association
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure that the coding correctly reflects the postprocedural nature of the stricture and specifies the location (bulbous urethra).
• Avoid general coding for urethral stricture without specifying the postprocedural cause and detailed anatomical site.