Meatal stenosis

What is it?

When there is a narrowing of the urethral opening, it is called a ‘meatal stenosis’. The condition may be congenital, but it may also be the result of an accident, infection or skin condition.

Diagnosis

Meatal stenosis can be diagnosed with certainty through two examinations:

• Uroflowmetry: this measures the urinary flow rate. A narrowing, or constriction, of the urethra will result in typical abnormalities in a uroflowmetry.
• Cysto-urethroscopy: the urethra can be examined internally with a flexible lens and camera to detect the stricture.

Treatment

• Dilatation of the stricture. If necessary, the patient can learn how to do this by himself.
• Incision of the stricture with a surgical knife (urethrotomy). This requires general anaesthesia or a spinal puncture.
• If the stricture recurs too frequently, urethraplasty is recommended. During this procedure, the stricture is not simply incised, rather an attempt is made to replace the scar tissue with other, healthy tissue in order to reduce the risk of relapse.

Latest publication date: 12/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Ameye Filip