Meatal Stenosis/Meatotomy For Dr. John Kryger
What is meatal stenosis?
Meatal stenosis occurs when the opening of the urethra, where urine exits a boy’s penis, is too small or narrow for urine to pass. This causes the urine stream to spray or deflect upward. Over time scar tissue or extra skin grows in the urethral opening and acts like the tip of a garden hose being blocked or pinched.
What can be done about meatal stenosis?
A procedure called meatotomy can be done to make the opening larger. Lidocaine cream is applied to the penis and left on for 20-30 minutes with a dressing to keep the cream in place. The doctor will check to make sure your child does not feel anything in his penis by using a small clamp to pinch the opening. If the penis is numb, a very small pair of scissors will be used to make a cut into the opening to widen it. You will be given a dilator to use at home. The doctor will show you how to use this before you go home. The healing process will take 1 to 2 weeks.
How do I care for my child?
- Keep the penis clean and dry.
- Your child can take a bath one day after the procedure.
- Apply antibiotic ointment (you purchase Neosporin® plus at your local pharmacy) to the tip of the penis and urethral opening 4 times daily for 10 days. Twice daily you will need to use the dilator provided by the doctor. Wait 5 minutes after applying the ointment before you insert the dilator into the urethra. This helps to keep the opening from becoming smaller again.
- Give medicine for pain as needed to keep your child comfortable. Keep in mind that narcotic pain medicine can also cause constipation. You may give children's Motrin® or Tylenol® instead.
- Your child may return to his normal routine as he is able.
When should I call the doctor?
- Increased drainage or bleeding from the incision.
- Increased redness or swelling from the incision (some is normal)
- Red streaks from the incision.
- Foul smell or pus from the incision.
- Chills or fever over 101°F by mouth.
- Trouble passing urine.
- No bowel movement for 2 days
- Pain not controlled by pain pills.
- Any new problems or concerns.
Phone Numbers
Pediatric Urology Nurses, Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, 608-263-6420
After hours, weekends or holidays, the paging operator will answer. Ask for Urology Resident on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 11/03/2010
Copyright © 11/03/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6771
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