Bladder neck or urethral constriction

Noel, yes I developed a stricture after robotic surgery and suffered with a slow flow. At around 14 weeks post of I went back into theatre and had a dilatation to stretch the scar tissue,at the same time they found the first of 4 surgical hem o Lok clips from the surgery. 

My surgeon took a very conservative approach with the stricture, preferring to stretch it rather than cut into the tissue. I did have to have it done numerous times,2 or 3 attempts in not unheard of.

I was having my urethra stretched at 3 month intervals. My flow got down to 0.5 mls per second.  Other issues came along with salvage radiation treatment so we never got to know how successful the stricture treatment was.

Glad to answers any questions.

Thanks Chris 

Hi Chris again! 
Can you tell me please? Did the dilatation procedure happen on the same day as your flow test, or did you have t9 go back another day for that to be carried out. Just so I can be prepared next Thursday. Thanks again, and hope you are progressing better .

Cheers

Noel 

I noticed reducing flow about a year after RARP and it deteriorated slowly. I was offered a dilation fairly soon but was afraid to effect my continance. Urge and frequency also increased as flow deterioted. Uro was OK with that but eventually I had to give in as my flow was down to less than 3ml/sec using the same method to measure as Chris and I was now taking over ten minutes to pee. With urge and frequency issues ten minutes to pee is difficult to manage.

Covid caused a delay and I had a dilation under GA about two and a half years post RARP. I expressed a strong preference for stretching only and no cutting. He did a ridged cystoscopy while under the GA, checked in the bladder etc then progressive dilation.

Catherter for a weekish and no incontinence after.

About 3 or 4 weeks later I was taught self catheterisation and told to do it once a week indefinitely using a size 18 catherter.

Catherterising gradually got more difficult and 3 years since dilation I have gradually increased to every 3 days and I need to use a size 16 first to get the 18 in.

I struggled at first at the learning stage but it was just a question of getting the internal relaxation right.

Regarding the flow test I had one early on and at the time flow was described as sufficient. I then just monitered myself and only discussed it at my PCa review phone calls. I can't imagine they would do a dilation at a flow test appointment without letting you know.

What ever happens all the best of luck to you

Cheers

Bill

Thanks Bill

For your long reply.

I too have markedly increased frequency and urgency , sometimes having to go 3-4 times in an hour just to stop the feeling of wanting to pee. 
This is worst first thing in morning around breakfast time and around tea time , but in between I can go for an hour or so not wanting to go to the loo , especially when I am busy doing something physical to distract myself, such as  gardening or playing tablet tenniS!

I will let you know how I get on after my urine flow test next Thursday.

Thank you for your reply , it really does help to have people with similar concerns to talk to

Cheers

Noel