This condition can occur after surgery for malignant or benign conditions of the prostate, or after radiation (such as surgery to remove the prostate for prostate cancer or transurethral resection of the prostate for prostatic enlargement). It occurs when there is excessive scarring at the level of the bladder opening (bladder neck).
It will typically cause narrowing of the urinary tract resulting in slow urinary stream, difficulty emptying the bladder, and other urinary symptoms. It can even result in urinary incontinence. The blockage can also cause damage of the bladder and even "upstream" in the kidneys.
Treatment for this usually starts with endoscopic management, by dilating (stretching) open the scarred area, or incising it (transurethral incision of bladder neck). If the scar tissue is quite tough and comes back, surgical removal of the scar tissue may be an option. The potential for this urinary tract reconstruction depends on each individual case and a weighing of the potential risks and benefits by that individual.
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