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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedy For Blockage In Urethra After Prostrate Treatment

Thanks in advance. I had prostrate cancer treated by seed implants, then six weeks of daily targeted x-ray treatments. After the completion, I started having a blockage in the uretha which had to be dialated to relieve pressure. At first this was periodic. Eventually, this no longer worked for longer than a few days after several trips to the hospital emergency room for catherization, I had to have an emergency super pubic catheter. Now, I have to go back the my urologist every six weeks for tube replacement. I have had problems with blockage and further trips to the emergency room. During all of this time, my wife and family have periodically complained about the odor. I am replacing the leg bag every couple of days and keep the tube placement cleaned, steralized and daily dressing replacement. My urologist is very, very, very reluctant to prescribe an antibiotic for infections. I have several questions. 1. How often should the leg bag be replaced. It seems that the odor is partially caused by the presence of bacteria, and partially an exagerated odor of plastic material. My urologist has been reluctant even to discuss these issues. Thanks for your help. Gary Killian
Wed, 28 Apr 2021
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi,

Supra pubic urinary catheterisation is the only option for initial urethral blockage so that the urethra may heal up and surgery may be avoided. The smell can be urinary leakage, plastic as you rightly say. Normally the leakage stops and not need to worry or ask the nurse to put in a large sized catheter to avoid leakage. Absorbent dressings to be changed after soakage can solve the problem.
Close, AC rooms create more smell hence better to rest in airy rooms to avoid others trouble.
Your Urologist will get few investigations:
Urethrography.
Cysto-urethroscopy.
Ultrasound or MRI for genito-urinary system.
All these things will decide the further course of actions.
The thigh bag can be change after a few weeks if you keep the opening closed well, and will not smell of urine.
Urine culture and sensitivity will tell us whether there is any infection that needs antibiotic. Get this test done.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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Suggest Remedy For Blockage In Urethra After Prostrate Treatment

Hi, Supra pubic urinary catheterisation is the only option for initial urethral blockage so that the urethra may heal up and surgery may be avoided. The smell can be urinary leakage, plastic as you rightly say. Normally the leakage stops and not need to worry or ask the nurse to put in a large sized catheter to avoid leakage. Absorbent dressings to be changed after soakage can solve the problem. Close, AC rooms create more smell hence better to rest in airy rooms to avoid others trouble. Your Urologist will get few investigations: Urethrography. Cysto-urethroscopy. Ultrasound or MRI for genito-urinary system. All these things will decide the further course of actions. The thigh bag can be change after a few weeks if you keep the opening closed well, and will not smell of urine. Urine culture and sensitivity will tell us whether there is any infection that needs antibiotic. Get this test done. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon