Management of urethral stricture with an Ayurvedic treatment regimen including Uttarabasti: A case report

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Urethral stricture, affecting approximately 0.6% of the male population, especially those over 55, is a narrowing of the urethra that leads to symptoms such as poor urine stream, bladder fullness, and recurrent infections. Common causes include catheterization, pelvic trauma, and urological surgeries, and it accounts for 5%–15% of male urology cases. While conventional treatments such as dilatation and urethroplasty are standard, they carry risks such as bleeding, false passage, and fistula formation. In Ayurveda, the condition is identified as Mutramarga Sankocha , for which Uttarabasti is a well-documented para-surgical intervention, offering a safe and minimally invasive alternative for urogenital disorders. PATIENT INFORMATION: A 35-year-old male presented with complaints of obstructed urine flow, bladder fullness, and recurrent urinary tract infections persisting for 4 years. Diagnosed with idiopathic urethral stricture ( Mutramarga Sankocha ) based on clinical signs and retrograde urethrogram, he had previously undergone urethroplasty without lasting relief. The patient was otherwise healthy, with no addictions or relevant family history. THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS: The patient was treated with oral Ayurvedic medications Gokshuradi Guggulu , Chandraprabha Vati , and Punarnavastak Kwatha , along with Kshara Taila Uttarabasti . RESULTS: Marked symptomatic relief was observed, with the visual analog scale score reducing from 10 to 0, and uroflowmetry confirmed improved urinary flow. Follow-up after 3 months indicated no recurrence. CONCLUSION: The case demonstrates the potential effectiveness of an Ayurvedic treatment regimen comprising Kshara Taila Uttarabasti and oral medications in managing urethral stricture. Significant symptomatic relief, improved urinary flow, and absence of recurrence at 3-month follow-up suggest this approach is a promising, minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgical interventions.