Urethral dilation is a medical procedure that widens the urethra, the tube carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. This minimally invasive technique stretches narrowed segments to restore proper urine flow. The procedure is typically quick and often performed in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Reasons for Urethral Dilation
Urethral dilation treats urethral strictures, which are narrowings of the urethra caused by scar tissue. These strictures impede normal urine flow, leading to uncomfortable and potentially serious symptoms. Common indicators include a weak or slow urine stream, straining to urinate, painful urination, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). In severe cases, a stricture can lead to acute urinary retention, a medical emergency where an individual cannot urinate at all.
Scar tissue leading to strictures can result from various factors. Injuries to the penis or scrotum, such as from a fall or trauma, are common causes. Infections, particularly sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, also contribute to stricture development. Medical procedures involving the insertion of instruments into the urethra, such as catheters or cystoscopes, may sometimes cause irritation and subsequent scar tissue.
The Procedure Explained
Before urethral dilation, a local anesthetic, such as a numbing lubricant gel, is often applied to the urethra. General anesthesia or sedation may be used for more extensive dilations. An antibiotic injection might also be given beforehand to help prevent infection.
During the procedure, a urologist introduces a series of thin, specialized instruments called dilators into the urethra. These dilators gradually increase in size, stretching the narrowed area. Some dilators are rigid metal rods, while others are plastic. An alternative technique uses a balloon catheter, inserted into the urethra and slowly inflated to gently expand the stricture. This balloon method applies radial pressure, potentially causing less trauma than traditional dilators.
A cystoscope, a thin tube with a camera, may be used to visualize the urethra and guide the dilators, ensuring precise placement and controlled stretching. The entire process typically takes less than an hour.
Recovery and Potential Considerations
Following urethral dilation, patients may experience mild discomfort, soreness in the urethra, or a burning sensation during urination for a few days. Some individuals may also notice a small amount of blood in their urine, which can appear pink, red, or brown. These symptoms generally resolve within one to two days with proper care.
Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids after the procedure to help flush the urinary system and reduce the risk of irritation or infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort. A urinary catheter may be temporarily left in place for a few days to ensure urine drainage and facilitate healing. While urethral dilation can be effective in the short term, strictures commonly recur, potentially requiring repeat dilations or alternative treatments. Patients should contact their doctor if they experience signs such as fever, severe pain not relieved by medication, inability to urinate, or worsening bleeding.