Urethrotomy: definition, process, prevention, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is a urethrotomy?

Urethrotomy is a medical procedure to treat problems with narrowing of the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In men, these ducts also drain sperm and semen out of the penis.

Narrowing of the urethra, also known as urethral stricture, is generally caused by scar tissue. Scar tissue formation can originate from infection, injury, or inflammation of the urethra (urethritis).

Scar tissue over time causes narrowing of the urethra. As a result, you may urinate more frequently, urinate suddenly, pass a little urine, or feel incomplete after every time you urinate.

When do I need to have a urethrotomy?

A urethrotomy is needed for people who experience symptoms of a narrowing of the urethra. This procedure aims to improve urine flow, increase bladder emptying, and reduce the urge to urinate at night.

Urethrotomy can also protect you from the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). After undergoing a urethrotomy, there will be no more urine trapped in the part of the urethra that was previously narrowed. The risk of developing an infection is also lower.

Precautions and warnings

Are there any alternatives to this procedure?

Apart from urethrotomy, here are possible alternative methods to treat urethral narrowing.

Balloon dilatation. A special instrument equipped with a small balloon is inserted into the urethra. This balloon will later enlarge and widen the narrowed part of the urethra.
Dilator. A small metal rod-shaped device is inserted into the urethra to widen the narrowed portion of the urethra.

Sometimes urologists also need to perform surgery if the narrowing of the urethra is difficult to treat. The dissected part of the urethra is then repaired using plastic surgery techniques.

Process

What should be done before undergoing a urethrotomy?

Before undergoing a urethrotomy, you need to discuss with the anesthetist about the method of anesthesia that will be used. It is important to always follow your doctor's directions regarding when you should start fasting before surgery.

You also need to tell your doctor about any medications you are currently taking and any allergies you may have. Explain anything related to your health condition that might affect the course of surgery.

You will be given clear guidelines on what to do before the operation, including whether you can eat any food or drink ahead of the procedure. Generally, you will be required to fast 6 hours before the operation begins.

How is the urethrotomy process?

The urethrotomy procedure is performed under general or epidural anesthesia that is administered through the spine. After the anesthesia has worked, the surgeon will insert a rigid stethoscope (cystoscopy) into your urethra to check for narrowing.

The doctor will then use an instrument called urethrotome to cut scar tissue and widen the passage of your urethra. The doctor may also insert a cystoscope into the bladder to check for problems.

After all the scar tissue is gone, the doctor will place a urine catheter in your bladder. This catheter functions to channel urine out of the body during the urethral recovery period. The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.

What to do after undergoing a urethrotomy?

Patients are generally allowed to go home the same day after surgery. However, sometimes the patient may have certain conditions that require an overnight stay in the hospital.

If you are allowed to go home immediately, you should be able to return to work after a few days of recovery. You can exercise, but choose light exercise and avoid all kinds of activities that are taxing on the body.

Gentle exercise such as walking or going up and down stairs can help you quickly recover and get back to your normal activities. However, ask for advice from your doctor or a team of medical personnel who treats you before starting to exercise.

Sometimes, the narrowing of the urethra can recur and the patient experiences the same symptoms as before. Even so, this is not the case. Most of the patients eventually recovered and no longer had urinary problems.

Complications

What complications can occur?

Urethrotomy is a relatively safe procedure. However, there are still some risks of minor complications that may occur. Consult your surgeon about the risks you may face.

The minor complications of urethrotomy are no different from other surgical procedures. Patients may experience pain after the effects of the anesthetic wear off, bleeding in the surgical area, or infection in the urethra due to surgery or catheter placement.

In addition, other complications that are specific and uncommon include:

unexpected reaction to anesthetic,
allergic reaction to anesthetics,
blood clot formation (deep vein thrombosis),
swelling of the penis,
difficulty urinating, and
narrowing of the other part of the urethra.

You can reduce the risk of complications by being careful and always following your doctor's recommendations. Follow any doctor's instructions about preparing to undergo a urethrotomy, including fasting and stopping certain medications.

A urethrotomy is a medical procedure to treat narrowing of the urethra. With this procedure, the narrowed urethral line can return to normal so you can avoid urinary problems and urinary tract infections.

The widening of the urethral line is just like any other surgical procedure which does not run the risk of complications. However, the benefits of this procedure far outweigh the risks.

You can also reduce the risk of complications by following your doctor's instructions before and after surgery.