Meatal stenosis What is it? What are the treatment options? Meatal stenosis is a narrowing of the opening of Treatment is surgical. The operation involves the urethra, at the tip of the penis. opening up the meatus – a procedure called ‘meatotomy’ or ‘meatoplasty’. It most commonly occurs months to years after circumcision, from chronic abrasion of the This is usually performed under general exposed meatus and glans. Meatal stenosis may anaesthesia, with a cut being made into the scar also occur after hypospadias repair or other tissue to open up the narrowed urethra. Sutures urethral surgery. may be placed in the skin edges. Following the procedure, you may be given some How does it present? ointment to apply to the penis. Boys may have: What are the complications? • difficulty voiding or straining Bleeding and infection are the most common • frequency of urination complications of all operations, but fortunately • prolonged urinary stream uncommon in this surgery. Occasional spotting of • spraying of the urinary stream blood is common, though. Some stinging when voiding is expected for a few • painful urination days after surgery. • recurrent urinary tract infections Narrowing can re-occur after surgery, due to new scarring. What tests are performed? Physical examination can visualise a narrowing of What are the outcomes? the meatus, but not assess how much it restricts Most children will have a good result from the flow. surgery, with improvement of their symptoms. Bladder ultrasound can assess impairment of Meatal stenosis can reoccur after healing. If bladder emptying symptoms recur, you need to see a doctor again. Uroflowometry, involving boy voiding into special toilet that can assess strength and duration of stream, may also be useful What is the follow-up? Your child will need to see the surgical team 4-6 What problems may be caused? weeks after surgery, to assess healing, and reduction of symptoms. If the symptoms recur or If bladder emptying is impaired, urinary tract there are any complications, please tell your infection may occur doctor. If voiding occurs at high pressure, the kidneys can be threatened by back-pressure. This information sheet is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is valid for your child .