PROCEDURES
URETHRA
URETHRAL DILATATION
INTERNAL URETHROTOMY
URETHROPLASTY
INTERNAL URETHROTOMY
OVERVIEW
A Urethrotomy is a procedure that is performed on male patients in cases where it is necessary to treat urethral strictures. Urethral strictures occur when the urethra becomes narrow as a result of inflammation, causing a restriction to urinary flow.
Those suffering from urethral strictures complain about pains when urinating, infection in the urinary tract, blood in the urine and the inability to fully empty the bladder. This could be due to the narrowing of the urethra. It is only after full diagnosis that Dr Singh may recommend Urethrotomy.
An Internal Urethrotomy is done under general anaesthesia, and pre-operative antibiotics are given to minimise the risk of infections. During the procedure, Dr Singh will make use of an instrument known as a cystoscope, which is a tube with a camera and a light attached to its end. The instrument is inserted into the urethra and moved along to the area in which the urethral stricture is located.
Dr Singh will then carefully cut away the tissue at the site of the stricture, opening up the narrowed urethra. If the area where the stricture is situated is open and easily accessible, there won't be a need for further cuts. Your bladder will be emptied of urine and filled with flooding fluid. A catheter will be then inserted in your bladder to drain the flooding fluid.
After the procedure, the catheter will remain for a few days so that the bladder and urethra heal properly. Dr Singh will advise you on self-catheterisation and set an appointment to remove the catheter at a later stage. You will be given antibiotics to reduce the chances of you getting an infection. You will be able to go back to your normal routine after a couple of weeks.
