MANAGEMENT OF BULBAR URETHRAL STRICTURE THROUGH MATRA BASTI: A CASE REPORT

Urethral stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the urethra caused by fibrosis and scarring of the urethral tissues, commonly resulting from trauma, infection, inflammation, or urethral instrumentation. It produces obstructive urinary symptoms such as poor urinary stream, straining, dysuria, incomplete bladder emptying, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Recurrence after surgical management remains a major challenge. In Ayurveda, urethral stricture can be correlated with Mutraghata, a disorder mainly caused by aggravated Vata Dosha leading to obstruction in the Mutravaha Srotas. Matra Basti is considered beneficial in such Vata-dominant conditions. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old male patient, not a known case of diabetes mellitus or hypertension, presented with straining during micturition, dribbling of urine, burning micturition, and bilateral low back pain for 2 months. He attended S.V. Ayurvedic Hospital, Tirupati, for treatment. Intervention: The patient was treated with Matra Basti using Dhanwantari Tailam for 8 days in two sittings with a one-month interval. Internal medications administered included Sheetaprabha Vati, Varunadhi Kashaya tablets, Neeri tablets, Himplasia, and Balamoola Kwatha Churnam. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Matra Basti and internal Ayurvedic medicines in the management of urethral stricture (Mutraghata). Methodology: This was a single-case pre- and post-interventional study assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) before and after treatment with a 6-month follow-up. Results and Conclusion: The patient showed significant improvement in urinary flow, pain, burning sensation, and IPSS score. The case suggests that Ayurvedic management may be beneficial in bulbar urethral stricture; however, larger studies are needed for validation.