What is an optical urethrotomy?
An optical urethrotomy is a procedure used to open up a restricted urethra (the tube that allows urine to pass out of the body from the bladder). This procedure is also referred to as urethral dilation.
What causes urethral stricture?
The urethra can be restricted for a number of reasons, but it is normally due to the build-up of scar tissue after injury or infection – the insult may have been many years previous. As the scar tissue develops it becomes increasingly difficult to pass urine and it can become very painful to do so.
What are the symptoms of urethral stricture?
There are several potential symptoms of urethral obstruction, these include:
- Abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain
- Pain when urinating
- A desire to urinate more frequently
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Discharge
- Difficulty urinating
How does optical urethrotomy work?
With this procedure a small camera, known as a cystoscope, is passed into the urethra so that the surgeon can see exactly where the problem lies. Once the restricted area is located, small incisions are made into the scar tissue. This dilates the urethra so that urine can flow freely once again.