Urethral strictures in historical perspective: from reed catheters to surgical reconstruction

This article presents a historical overview of the evolution of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to urethral strictures from antiquity to modern surgical technologies. The earliest descriptions of the disease are examined in ancient Egyptian, Indian, and Greek medical treatises, which document primitive methods of catheterization and urethral dilation. Special attention is given to the contributions of prominent historical figures such as Sushruta, Hippocrates, Galen, and Avicenna, as well as to key advances of the Renaissance and early modern period, including the work of Ambroise Paré and John Hunter. The present article provides a detailed description of contemporary treatment methods, including internal optical urethrotomy, anastomotic and substitution urethroplasty using buccal mucosa grafts. The article also describes promising developments in bioengineering, including the use of acellular scaffolds and cellularized grafts. Despite substantial progress in modern medicine, the management of urethral strictures remains associated with postoperative complications and substantial impact on patients’ quality of life. Historical analysis demonstrates that the treatment of urethral strictures has evolved from empirical interventions to highly sophisticated reconstructive techniques; however, the search for optimal therapeutic solutions remains an important challenge.