Meatotomy
Meatotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made to widen the opening of the urinary meatus — the external opening of the urethra through which urine exits the body. This intervention is most commonly indicated in cases of meatal stenosis, a condition that narrows this opening and can lead to difficulty urinating, pain, or other urinary symptoms.
Indications for Meatotomy
- Congenital meatal stenosis: Sometimes present in children as a structural issue from birth.
- Acquired meatal stenosis: May develop due to chronic inflammation, recurrent infections, or trauma to the area.
The Procedure
Meatotomy is generally a quick and straightforward procedure. It is usually performed under local anesthesia (or general anesthesia in children). The incision enlarges the meatus to facilitate normal urine flow.
Recovery
The recovery period is typically short, and postoperative discomfort is usually minimal. The physician may recommend: Monitoring urination
Proper hygiene to prevent infection.
A urological consultation is necessary to assess whether this intervention is appropriate and to discuss the potential risks and benefits for each individual case.
