Meatoplasty surgery is a procedure performed to treat a stricture (narrowing) at the very tip of the penis due to either trauma, passage of instruments or insertion of a catheter, or to previous surgery such as hypospadias operations in childhood.
What are the investigations to be done prior to meatoplasty surgery ?
You will have to take a urethrogram. This is basically an X-ray that shows the whole length of your urethra and assesses the extent of the stricture. It is done by placing a very fine catheter inside the tip of the urethra and injecting contrast medium (a dye that shows up on X ray) whilst X-rays are taken. This helps reveal that the problem you have with passing urine is localized just at the very outlet of the penis. It also assesses the length of the stricture and excludes strictures higher up your urethra, close to your bladder.
How is meatoplasty surgery done ?
The procedure uses an extension of skin from the penis which is folded back and stitched into the external meatus. The procedure will be done under a general anesthetic. If you are given a general anesthetic, you will be sleeping during the procedure. Injection of antibiotics will be administered before the procedure, after you have been checked for any allergies. An incision will be made into the underside of the glans penis (head of the penis), through the narrowed area, into healthy urethra. A flap of skin will be folded and stitched into the divided edges of the meatus to create a wider opening. Occasionally, a catheter might have to be placed in your bladder. The skin will be closed with dissolvable stitches. Meatoplasty surgery takes approximately one hour to complete. The hospital stay can vary from between one to two nights.
What is the care needed to be taken of the surgery site ?
After meatoplasty surgery, it is imperative for you to spread the opening out and apply ointment (an antibiotic ointment) three times all through the day, and at bath time as well for one week. This will prevent the new edges of the wound from joining back together. Sitting in a tub of clear, plain, warm water without soaps or bubble bath for 10 to 15 minutes each day helps heal the wound. This will keep the wound clean and prevent crusting. A small amount of antibiotic ointment can be placed on the diaper or the gauze pad in the underpants to keep the area from sticking. Some swelling and bruising of the penis is definitely to be expected. This may last for upto several days. Bleeding into the urine also may be seen. Activity does not need to be restricted after a meatotomy or meatoplasty.
How to find and reach urologists for meatoplasty surgery ?
Now you can find and reach urologists for meatoplasty surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple urologists , get cost estimates for meatoplasty surgery from different urology hospitals, compare things and then choose an urologist or a hospital for meatoplasty surgery.
Find, reach and choose an urologist for meatoplasty surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.