Urethrotomy

A urethrotomy procedure is performed to help alleviate symptoms of a narrowed urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen to the tip of your penis). These include 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.

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

A urethrotomy widens your narrowed urethra. It is performed under a general or spinal anaesthetic. A special rigid telescope, called a cystoscope, is passed into your urethra. Tiny instruments are used to cut the scar tissue and widen your urethra.

This straightforward operation usually takes less than 30 minutes.

The benefits of urethrotomy surgery include:

• a better flow of urine
• improved bladder emptying
• less getting up in the night to pass urine
• being less susceptible to infections.

There are alternatives to a urethrotomy procedure. Other techniques used to treat and stretch a narrowed urethra include balloon dilatation, using dilators and inserting a stent. More severe narrowing, when the stricture is too long to be treated with less invasive options, may need open surgery called urethroplasty.

You can expect to go home on the same day or the day after your urethrotomy. Patients typically return to work after a few days and make a good recovery and enjoy a great improvement in their urination.

If a catheter was inserted during the procedure, to keep the space open and help it heal that way, then it will be removed after a few days.

Your surgeon will advise you about your recovery. You should follow their advice about exercise, sexual intercourse and strenuous activities. You will be advised to increase your fluid and fibre intake for a few days after your surgery to encourage soft stools and avoid straining during bowel movements.

You will receive a formal quotation price for your urethrotomy procedure following your consultation. This formal quote will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. This procedure is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before your tests.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for the procedure yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care - one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.