Urethrostomy, also known as perineal urethrostomy surgery, is performed exclusively on males. Besides, urethrotomy, also known as direct vision internal urethrotomy, is generally performed on men. These surgeries are performed for resolving urethra-related diseases.
Sometimes an injury, infection, or earlier surgeries might cause scarring of the urethra. Unfortunately, this narrows the urethra, thereby causing a blockage. It is also known as urethral stricture.
Urethrostomy: Preparing for Perineal Urethrostomy
Patients suffering from urethral stricture need to undergo a perineal urethrostomy. Before undergoing surgery, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for preventing urinary tract infections. Patients must provide a sample of their urine for testing and analysis.
An X-ray is performed for outlining the condition of the urethra before the surgery. The surgery is conducted under general anesthesia. There are various operational techniques, out of which the Blandy technique is widely practiced.
Urethrostomy: Surgical Procedure
An inverted U-shaped incision is made in the perineum right below the scrotum from where the skin is opened. After exposing the bulbar urethra, an incision of about three to four centimeters is made in the urethra. The upper portion of the perineal skin is sewn to the opened urethra in its closest proximity.
On the other hand, the edges of the perineal flap are sewn to the urethral mucosa’s edges. The scrotal skin is sewn to the upper portion of the urethral opening, which ultimately opens the perineal flap.
After completing the surgery, doctors attach a Foley catheter to the bladder. It helps in passing and draining urine out of the body. The entire surgical procedure is performed within two hours.
Urethrotomy: Why is it Performed?
An injury or inflammation infection of the scar tissue might narrow down the urethra. As a result, this might promote frequent and sudden urges to pass urine. Besides, it also makes urine flow extremely slow, sometimes only with dribbling.
Since these symptoms can be irritating and disturbing, patients need a urethrotomy. This technique will help broaden the urinary tract and result in consistent urine flow.
Urethrotomy: Surgical Procedure
Patients undergoing this surgical procedure are usually provided with general or spinal anesthesia. It takes around thirty minutes to finish the entire process. A rigid cystoscope is passed through the urethra to examine the structure’s narrowing.
With the help of the urethrotome, the surgeon makes small incisions in the scar tissue, thereby making the urethra wider. After the surgery, a catheter is placed within the bladder for easy passage of urine. The urethrotomy cost in India approximately starts might vary depending on the packages.
To Conclude
Patients undergoing urethrotomy and urethrostomy can experience a slight or significant amount of pain. But over-the-counter pain relievers can help mitigate it, thereby eliminating complications related to the urethra. If you experience any severe or minor difficulties regarding the same, get in touch with a specialty hospital.
