Urethral Surgery in India
Get Urethral Surgery at internationally accredited (JCI/NABH) Indian hospitals at a fraction of Western costs, with end-to-end international patient support — visa, travel, stay, and follow-up care.
Urethral Surgery in UAE
Urethral Surgery at leading UAE hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi — world-class care closer to home, visa-free entry for many nationalities, international specialists, and modern facilities.
Overview
Urethral surgery encompasses a spectrum of reconstructive and corrective procedures — including urethroplasty, urethrotomy, and urethral stricture repair — designed to restore normal urinary flow and function in patients with congenital anomalies, traumatic injuries, or acquired stricture disease. Modern techniques achieve long-term patency rates exceeding 85–95% depending on stricture length, etiology, and surgical approach, with robotic-assisted and tissue-grafting methods further improving outcomes for complex cases. GAF Healthcare connects international patients with JCI- and NABH-accredited centers in India and JCI- and DHA-accredited facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering world-class urological expertise at costs 40–60% below Western benchmarks.
Hospital Stay: 2–5 days (varies by procedure complexity: internal urethrotomy 1–2 days; open or augmentation urethroplasty 3–5 days) • Total Stay in Country (Fit-to-Fly): 2–4 weeks (urinary catheter typically removed at 2–3 weeks post-op; fit-to-fly clearance issued after confirmed voiding trial and wound review) • Success Rate: 85–95% (technique- and etiology-dependent; single-stage anastomotic urethroplasty achieves up to 95%; augmentation urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft 85–90%)
What Is It?
The urethra is the conduit through which urine is expelled from the bladder to the external environment. In men, the urethra traverses the prostate, the urogenital diaphragm (membranous urethra), and the corpus spongiosum (bulbar and penile urethra), making it anatomically vulnerable to stricture formation from inflammation, trauma, catheterization injury, or sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea. In women, urethral pathology is less common but includes meatal stenosis, urethral diverticulum, and traumatic injury associated with childbirth or pelvic fractures. Untreated urethral obstruction leads to progressive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder dysfunction, hydronephrosis, and ultimately renal impairment.
Urethral stricture disease is classified by location (anterior vs. posterior urethra), length (short <2 cm; long >2 cm), and etiology (idiopathic, inflammatory, traumatic, iatrogenic, or lichen sclerosus-related). The Lumen Urethral Stricture Score and the Patient-Reported Outcome Measure — Urethral Stricture Surgery (PROM-USS) tool are routinely used to quantify symptom burden and guide surgical decision-making. Uroflowmetry revealing a peak flow rate (Qmax) below 10 mL/s, combined with post-void residual urine volume >100 mL, typically warrants intervention beyond surveillance.
The standard of care has evolved from repeated endoscopic dilation and direct-vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) — effective for short, naïve strictures — to definitive open urethroplasty for recurrent or complex disease. Contemporary reconstructive urology employs buccal mucosa grafts (BMG), penile skin flaps (Orandi flap, Quartey flap), and anastomotic excision-and-primary-anastomosis (EPA) techniques, with robotic-assisted urethroplasty emerging in high-volume centers. The goal of definitive repair is durable restoration of a wide-caliber urethra, obviating the need for repeated endoscopic procedures.
Candidates
• ELIGIBLE PATIENTS:
• Men with confirmed anterior urethral stricture (bulbar, penile, or panurethral) causing obstructive voiding symptoms, Qmax <12 mL/s, or recurrent urinary tract infections
• Patients who have failed or relapsed after one or more sessions of direct-vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) or dilation — the standard threshold for urethroplasty referral
• Men with posterior urethral disruption defects (PUDD) secondary to pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI), typically staged with suprapubic cystostomy prior to delayed urethroplasty at 3–6 months
• Women with symptomatic urethral meatal stenosis, urethral diverticulum confirmed on MRI or double-balloon urethrography, or post-traumatic urethral injury
• Patients with lichen sclerosus (LS/BXO)-associated strictures (long-segment; require non-genital grafts such as buccal mucosa)
• Pediatric patients with hypospadias repair complications or congenital urethral anomalies (chordee, urethral duplication)
• Patients with prostato-urethral anastomotic stricture following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer
• REQUIRED PRE-OPERATIVE DIAGNOSTICS:
• Retrograde urethrogram (RUG) and voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG): gold standard for stricture length, location, and caliber
• Flexible cystoscopy or ureteroscopy: direct visualization of stricture and assessment of distal urethral health
• Uroflowmetry with post-void residual ultrasound: objective flow-rate documentation
• High-frequency ultrasound urethrography (HFUS): assesses depth of spongiofibrosis — a key predictor of recurrence risk
• Urine culture and sensitivity: mandatory prior to instrumentation
• Serum creatinine, eGFR, full blood count, coagulation screen, HbA1c (in diabetic patients): baseline renal and surgical fitness
• MRI pelvis (for posterior urethral strictures, PFUI, urethral diverticulum)
• ECG and cardiology clearance (patients >50 years or with comorbidities)
• RELATIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS / CAUTIONS:
• Active urinary tract infection (must be treated pre-operatively)
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c >9%; impairs wound healing and graft take)
• Severe obliterative lichen sclerosus with pan-urethral involvement (may require staged repair or perineal urethrostomy)
• Prior pelvic radiation (significantly increases anastomotic failure risk; perineal approach preferred)
• Advanced renal failure (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²): requires nephrology co-management
• Patients on anticoagulation (warfarin, DOACs) — must be bridged appropriately pre-operatively
• Active malignancy of the urethra or bladder requiring oncological management first
Procedure
ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES (First-Line for Naïve, Short Strictures):
• Direct-Vision Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU): Performed under general or spinal anesthesia using a Sachse urethrotome or cold-knife under direct endoscopic visualization. A single incision is made at the 12-o'clock position through the stricture, and a urethral catheter is left in situ for 1–3 days. Success rate for a single, short (<1.5 cm) bulbar stricture is approximately 60–70% at 12 months but drops to <30% after a second procedure — the principal argument for early transition to urethroplasty. Laser urethrotomy using Holmium:YAG laser offers equivalent efficacy with potentially lower bleeding risk.
• Urethral Dilation: Graduated dilators (Bougie à boule or balloon dilation) are used to progressively widen the stenotic segment. Suitable as a temporizing measure or for patient-performed intermittent self-dilation (ISD) in patients unfit for surgery. Not curative for significant spongiofibrosis.
OPEN URETHROPLASTY (Gold Standard for Recurrent or Complex Strictures):
• Excision and Primary Anastomosis (EPA) / Anastomotic Urethroplasty: Indicated for short (<2–2.5 cm), non-lichen sclerosus bulbar strictures with healthy surrounding tissue. The fibrotic segment is completely excised and the spatulated urethral ends are re-anastomosed tension-free. Success rates of 90–95% at 5 years make this the highest-yielding single procedure in reconstructive urology.
• Augmentation Urethroplasty with Buccal Mucosa Graft (BMG): The preferred technique for strictures >2 cm or those not amenable to EPA. The BMG (harvested from the inner cheek under separate sterile technique) is used as either a dorsal onlay (Barbagli technique), ventral onlay (Orandi-type), or a combination dorsal-ventral (Kulkarni technique for panurethral strictures). Buccal mucosa is preferred over penile skin for LS-related strictures, as genital skin is invariably involved. Success rates: 85–90% at 5 years.
• Flap Urethroplasty (Penile Skin Flaps): Orandi flap (longitudinal penile skin island flap) and the Quartey circular penile skin flap are used when buccal mucosa is unavailable or insufficient. Less commonly performed in the era of BMG but remain important for penile urethral and distal strictures.
• Perineal Urethrostomy: A planned, permanent diversion of the urethral meatus to the perineum. Indicated for elderly patients with pan-urethral or recurrent complex strictures where multi-stage reconstruction carries unacceptably high risk. Represents a definitive quality-of-life solution with excellent patient satisfaction in selected cases.
• Staged Urethroplasty (Johanson Stage I and II): For complex panurethral strictures (particularly LS-associated), the urethra is marsupialized (laid open) in Stage I, allowing tissue healing and preparation. Stage II tubularization is performed 6–12 months later. Robotic-assisted platforms are being evaluated for Stage II tubularization in high-volume academic centers.
POSTERIOR URETHRAL RECONSTRUCTION:
• Delayed Posterior Urethroplasty for PFUI: Performed 3–6 months after pelvic fracture once hematoma resolves. A transpubic, transperineal, or combined abdominoperineal approach is selected based on stricture complexity. The re-anastomotic success rate exceeds 90% in experienced hands.
ADVANCED & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES:
• Robotic-Assisted Urethroplasty (da Vinci platform): Available at select centers in India (AIIMS, Manipal, Apollo) and the UAE (Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi). Offers enhanced visualization of the posterior urethra and precise suturing in deep pelvic anatomy. Particularly advantageous for vesico-urethral anastomotic strictures post-prostatectomy.
• Tissue-Engineered Grafts & Acellular Matrices: Under active clinical investigation; not yet standard of care.
• Optilume Urethral Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB): A paclitaxel-coated balloon dilation catheter approved in select markets for recurrent anterior urethral strictures <3 cm; offers a minimally invasive alternative to repeat DVIU with reduced recurrence rates at 24 months in the ROBUST III trial.
Cost of Urethral Surgery: India vs. UAE
The cost of urethral surgery varies significantly depending on the complexity of the procedure (from endoscopic urethrotomy to multi-stage open urethroplasty), the hospital tier, and the destination country. India offers highly trained MCh Urologists and NABH/JCI-accredited facilities at costs 40–60% below comparable care in the UAE, making it the preferred cost-sensitive destination for complex reconstruction. The UAE — particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi — offers premium hospital infrastructure, luxury patient experience, and proximity for patients from the GCC, Europe, and East Africa, at a higher but internationally competitive price point. Both destinations provide transparent, all-inclusive packages through GAF Healthcare that cover surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, standard medications, and follow-up consultations during the country stay.
| Destination | Estimated Cost (USD) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| India | $1,500 – $5,000 | ~52% less than the UAE |
| UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) | $3,500 – $10,000 | Premium care, JCI/DHA accredited |
Estimates typically include surgery, hospital stay, and standard medications. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Recovery & Aftercare
PRE-OPERATIVE PHASE (Weeks 1–2 before surgery):
• Step 1 — Remote Consultation & Case Review: Upload all urethrography (RUG/VCUG) images, uroflowmetry reports, and prior operative notes to the GAF Healthcare portal. The assigned urologist (MCh Urology or equivalent) reviews records within 48 hours and provides a preliminary management plan and surgical recommendation.
• Step 2 — Travel & Visa Coordination: GAF Healthcare initiates e-Medical Visa application for India or UAE entry visa facilitation. Patients are advised to arrive 2–3 days before the scheduled procedure date.
• Step 3 — Pre-Admission Assessment (Day of Arrival / Day -1): Urine culture, uroflowmetry, retrograde urethrogram (if not recently performed), anesthesia fitness assessment, baseline blood panel, ECG. Any active UTI is treated prior to proceeding. Antibiotic prophylaxis protocol is prescribed.
INTRA-OPERATIVE PHASE (Day 0 — Surgical Day):
• Step 4 — Anesthesia: General or spinal anesthesia depending on patient fitness and planned approach. Average operating time: DVIU 30–45 minutes; EPA urethroplasty 90–120 minutes; BMG augmentation urethroplasty 2–3 hours; staged/complex reconstruction 3–5 hours.
• Step 5 — Procedure: Surgeon proceeds with agreed technique (DVIU, EPA, BMG urethroplasty, or flap repair). Intraoperative flexible cystoscopy confirms lumen caliber and anastomotic integrity. A urethral catheter (14–18 Fr silicone Foley) is left indwelling at procedure completion.
POST-OPERATIVE IN-HOSPITAL PHASE (Days 1–5):
• Step 6 — Immediate Recovery: Patient recovers in HDU or surgical ward. IV antibiotics (ceftriaxone or co-amoxiclav) for 24–48 hours. IV-to-oral analgesia transition. Catheter patency monitored continuously.
• Step 7 — Wound Care & Mobility: Perineal wounds assessed daily. Oral fluids advanced Day 1; diet normalized Day 2. Mobilization typically begins Day 1 post-op. Scrotal support and ice packs recommended for perineal swelling (BMG/flap cases).
• Step 8 — Discharge: DVIU patients discharged Day 1–2 with urethral catheter in situ. Open urethroplasty patients discharged Day 3–5. Discharge pack includes: antibiotics, analgesics, catheter care instructions, follow-up appointment for trial-without-catheter (TWOC).
POST-OPERATIVE OUTPATIENT PHASE (Weeks 1–4):
• Step 9 — Catheter Removal & TWOC (Day 14–21): Urethral catheter removed under monitored conditions. Post-void residual ultrasound and spot uroflowmetry confirm adequate voiding (target Qmax >15 mL/s). If voiding is satisfactory, fit-to-fly assessment is initiated.
• Step 10 — Fit-to-Fly Clearance (Week 2–4): Surgeon issues written clearance once wound is healed, catheter removed, voiding confirmed, and no signs of anastomotic leak or infection. Long-haul flights (>4 hours) are safe after confirmed voiding; compression stockings are recommended for DVT prophylaxis.
• Step 11 — Remote Follow-Up (Months 3, 6, 12): Uroflowmetry and PVR at 3, 6, and 12 months post-op. Any recurrent obstructive symptoms trigger RUG and flexible cystoscopy. GAF Healthcare coordinates telemedicine follow-up appointments with the treating urologist for international patients.
LONG-TERM MILESTONES:
• Return to sedentary work: 1–2 weeks post-op
• Return to physical labor or strenuous activity: 4–6 weeks
• Full sexual activity resumption: 4–6 weeks (following surgeon clearance)
• Erectile function monitoring: if perineal dissection was performed, erectile function is assessed at 3 months using IIEF-5 score
Risks & Considerations
Urethral surgery, while generally safe in experienced hands, carries procedure-specific and general surgical risks that every patient must understand prior to giving informed consent. Stricture recurrence remains the most clinically significant long-term risk: recurrence rates after a single DVIU are 30–70% at 2 years (length- and etiology-dependent), whereas open urethroplasty carries a 5–15% long-term recurrence risk. Surgical site infection and wound dehiscence occur in approximately 2–5% of open cases, with higher rates in patients with diabetes or lichen sclerosus. Urinary fistula formation (urethrocutaneous fistula) is a recognized complication of complex reconstruction, occurring in 1–3% of multi-stage procedures and typically managed with secondary closure. Urinary incontinence — usually stress incontinence — may occur transiently after posterior urethral reconstruction due to sphincter proximity; permanent incontinence is rare (<2%) but more common in post-PFUI repairs where the external urethral sphincter mechanism has been disrupted. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a concern for perineal urethroplasty, with transient ED reported in 10–30% of patients; permanent ED is less common (5–10%) and correlates with extent of perineal dissection and pre-existing vascular status. Oral morbidity (numbness, restricted mouth opening, donor site pain) affects approximately 5–15% of patients undergoing buccal mucosa harvest; these symptoms are typically transient and managed with physiotherapy. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism risk is managed with pneumatic compression stockings, early mobilization, and prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in higher-risk patients. Patients should ensure a minimum 2-week delay between catheter removal and long-haul flight to minimize thrombotic risk. All risks are discussed in detail during the pre-operative consultation with the assigned urologist, and GAF Healthcare ensures a written risk-benefit summary is provided in the patient's preferred language.
Top Hospitals for Urethral Surgery
Top Doctors for Urethral Surgery
Internationally trained specialists in Urology. Review their profiles, compare experience, and connect directly through GAF Healthcare.
Dr. Gaurav Kataria
MCh, MS, MBBS
Urologist
Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon, India
23+ Yearsof experience
Dr. Gaurav Kataria is a Senior Consultant Urologist at Paras Hospitals in Gurgaon with more than 23 years of clinical experience in urological care and genito-urinary surgery. He completed his MCh in Urology from the prestigious Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in 2017, building on a strong foundation of MS in General Surgery (2011) and MBBS (2005). His credentials reflect a commitment to advanced surgical… Read more
Dr. Gutta Srinivas
MBBS, MS, DNB
Urologist & Transplant Surgeon
Yashoda Hospitals, Hi-Tech City, Hyderabad, India
25+ Yearsof experience
Dr. Gutta Srinivas is a Senior Consultant Urologist and Transplant Surgeon serving as Clinical Director of the Department of Urology at Yashoda Hospitals, Hi-Tech City, Hyderabad. With over 25 years of clinical experience, he has established himself as a leading figure in urological surgery and renal transplantation across India. His pioneering work includes performing India's first ABO-incompatible kidney transplant using the Adsorbent Technique—a… Read more
Dr. Jangvir Singh Grewal
MBBS, MS in General Surgery, MCh in Urology and Renal Transplant Program, DrNB in Genitourinary Surgery
Urologist
Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram, India
3+ Yearsof experience
Dr. Jangvir Singh Grewal is an Associate Consultant in Urology at Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram, where he brings over three years of clinical experience in managing complex urological and renal conditions. He holds an MCh in Urology and Renal Transplant Program from Madurai Medical College (completed 2023), a DrNB in Genitourinary Surgery, and an MS in General Surgery from Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, UHS Rohtak, providing him with a strong surgical… Read more
Dr. Lokesh Sinha
MBBS, MS, DNB
Urologist
Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, India
16+ Yearsof experience
Dr. Lokesh Sinha is a Senior Consultant Urologist at Gleneagles Hospital in Mumbai with over 16 years of clinical excellence in urological surgery. He holds a prestigious academic background with MBBS, MS, and DNB qualifications, and was awarded a Gold Medal in MS for General Surgery, reflecting his exceptional surgical skill and commitment to patient care. His surgical practice spans the full spectrum of modern urology, with particular expertise in… Read more
Dr. M. Gopichand
MBBS, MCh (Urology & Andrology), DNB (Urology)
Urologist
Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, India
26+ Yearsof experience
Dr. M. Gopichand is a Senior Consultant Urologist at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad with over 26 years of distinguished clinical practice in urology. He holds an MCh in Urology & Andrology from Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences and a DNB in Urology from New Delhi, credentials that underpin his comprehensive expertise across the full spectrum of urological diseases. He is recognized as one of South India's most accomplished urologists,… Read more
Frequently Asked Questions — Urethral Surgery
In India, urethral surgery at a JCI- or NABH-accredited hospital typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000 USD depending on the procedure type: endoscopic direct-vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) falls at the lower end ($1,500–$2,500), while complex open urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft (BMG) or flap reconstruction is priced at $3,000–$5,000. In the UAE (Dubai or Abu Dhabi), equivalent procedures at JCI- and DHA-licensed facilities range from $3,500 to $10,000 USD, reflecting higher facility and accommodation overheads, luxury hospital infrastructure, and premium specialist fees. Both cost ranges quoted by GAF Healthcare are inclusive of surgery, anesthesia, standard hospital stay (2–5 days), standard medications, and in-country follow-up consultations. Not included are international flights, personal accommodation for the attendant, or extended-stay hotel costs. GAF Healthcare provides a fully itemized cost estimate within 48 hours of receiving your medical records, with no hidden fees.
The minimum recommended country stay before you are medically cleared for an international flight is 2–4 weeks, and this timeline is determined by the treating surgeon — not a fixed calendar date. After endoscopic procedures (DVIU, laser urethrotomy), the urethral catheter is typically removed at Day 2–3, and if voiding is confirmed satisfactory by uroflowmetry and post-void residual ultrasound, patients who had a simple procedure may be cleared to fly in as little as 10–14 days. After open urethroplasty (EPA, BMG augmentation, or flap repair), the urethral catheter remains in place for 14–21 days post-operatively. The critical fit-to-fly gate is confirmed catheter removal with successful voiding trial — this must happen in-country before departure. Long-haul flights should not be attempted with an indwelling catheter unless medically unavoidable. Once voiding is confirmed and the wound is healed, GAF Healthcare's assigned urologist issues a written fit-to-fly certificate. Patients are advised to wear graduated compression stockings on flights and remain well-hydrated to minimize DVT risk. Plan for a minimum 3-week stay to ensure safety and avoid emergency management abroad.
Success rates for urethral surgery range from 60–95% depending on the procedure type, stricture characteristics, and surgeon experience. Endoscopic direct-vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) achieves approximately 60–70% success at 12 months for a single, short (<1.5 cm) bulbar stricture in a treatment-naïve patient; this rate falls sharply to below 30% for repeat procedures, which is why most reconstructive urologists recommend transitioning to urethroplasty after the first recurrence. Excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) urethroplasty — the gold standard for short bulbar strictures — achieves 90–95% long-term success at 5 years, the highest of any urethral procedure. Augmentation urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft (BMG), used for longer or more complex strictures, achieves 85–90% durable success at 5 years. Posterior urethral reconstruction for pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) achieves success rates exceeding 90% in high-volume centers. Lichen sclerosus-related pan-urethral strictures carry slightly lower success rates (75–85%) due to disease recurrence in the native urethra. The specialist urologists contracted through GAF Healthcare — all MCh Urology or international fellowship-trained — operate in high-volume centers that publish outcomes consistent with or exceeding these benchmarks. Patient-specific prognosis is discussed in detail during your pre-operative consultation.
Why Plan Your Treatment Through Gaf Healthcare?
GAF Healthcare provides end-to-end non-medical support to ensure a seamless and stress-free medical journey for urethral surgery patients and their accompanying attendants.
VISA & DOCUMENTATION — INDIA: GAF Healthcare initiates and guides patients through the Indian e-Medical Visa application process, which permits a stay of up to 60 days (extendable) and covers the patient and one attendant on a Medical Attendant Visa. Required documents include a letter of recommendation from the treating hospital in India, a confirmed appointment letter, and a valid passport. Typical processing time is 2–4 business days. GAF Healthcare provides all hospital invitation letters required by the Indian consulate or High Commission.
VISA & DOCUMENTATION — UAE: Patients from most Western, GCC, and many Asian countries receive a visa-on-arrival or enjoy visa-free access to the UAE for up to 30–90 days. Patients from countries requiring advance visa arrangements are assisted by GAF Healthcare in coordination with UAE-based partners. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Abu Dhabi Department of Health oversee medical tourism facilitation, and all recommended facilities are licensed accordingly.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS: GAF Healthcare arranges private, wheelchair-accessible airport transfers for both arrival and departure. Post-operative transport within the city (hospital to hotel, hotel to follow-up clinic) is coordinated through the dedicated GAF patient coordinator assigned to each case.
DEDICATED PATIENT COORDINATORS & TRANSLATORS: Each patient is assigned a personal GAF Healthcare coordinator fluent in the patient's language (Arabic, Russian, French, Swahili, and other major languages supported). The coordinator manages scheduling, inter-departmental communication, and is the single point of contact throughout the stay. Professional medical interpreters are available in-hospital for consultations, surgical consent procedures, and discharge briefings.
ACCOMMODATION FOR ATTENDANTS: GAF Healthcare partners with a curated network of serviced apartments and hotels located within 500m–2km of partner hospitals. Options range from budget-friendly guesthouses (from $30/night in India) to premium serviced apartments and hotel suites (from $120/night in the UAE), all pre-vetted for safety, cleanliness, and proximity to medical care. Meal delivery and laundry services are available at all partner accommodations.
POST-OPERATIVE REMOTE FOLLOW-UP: Following departure, GAF Healthcare facilitates scheduled telemedicine appointments with the treating urologist at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery. All operative reports, pathology (if applicable), imaging CDs, and discharge summaries are provided digitally in PDF format for sharing with the patient's home-country physician.