Urethrotomy

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A urethrotomy is an operation to treat a narrowing of your urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen to the tip of your penis).

Consultants who perform this procedure

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Learn more about urethrotomy at King Edward VII’s Hospital

Why would I need a urethrotomy?

The narrowing of the urethra is most often caused by the formation of scar tissue after inflammation, an infection, or injury.

What symptoms does a urethrotomy address?

If you have a narrowed urethra, you might have the need to pass urine more often, sudden urges to pass urine, slow flow of urine and the feeling of not having fully emptied your bladder. A urethrotomy should help to alleviate these symptoms.

When should you speak to your specialist about a urethrotomy?

If you have been experiencing the need to pass urine more often than usual, sudden urges to pass urine, slow flow of urine or the feeling of not having fully emptied your bladder, you might want to consider speaking to your specialist about the possibility of undergoing a urethrotomy.

How is a urethrotomy performed?

A urethrotomy can be carried out under a spinal or general anaesthetic and it usually takes about 30 minutes.

During the procedure, your surgeon will pass a rigid telescope (cystoscope) into your urethra to examine the narrowing.

Your surgeon will make a cut in the scar tissue to make your urethra wider. They may also place a catheter in your bladder.

What is the recovery for a urethrotomy?

The recovery from a urethrotomy can depend on a variety of factors, and you should discuss this with your surgeon.

You might need to take a few days off of work after your procedure.

You and your surgeon will discuss your plan for recovery prior to your urethrotomy.

Are there any risks/complications associated with a urethrotomy?

As with any medical procedure, it is possible for risks or complications to arise. It is best that you speak with your specialist or surgeon about how best to avoid any adverse reactions.

Some complications that have been associated with the procedure are:

  • Difficulty passing urine
  • A swollen penis
  • Narrowing of another part of your urethra

How can I prepare for a urethrotomy?

Prior to your urethrotomy, you should discuss the preparations you should make with your surgeon, as they can vary depending on the person.

Are there alternatives for a urethrotomy?

There are alternatives to undergoing a urethrotomy, including:

  • Balloon dilatation
  • Open surgery (if the narrowing of the urethra is particularly severe)
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