Urethral Dilatation

• To treat a narrowing in the urethra which has formed due to previous damage/injury to the urethra.
• Causes: after bypass surgery where a drop in blood pressure has caused an area of low blood supply to the urethra; trauma to the urethra (pelvic fractures/ urethral instrumentation); and sexually transmitted diseases.
• The procedure placing a dilator un your urethra on a daily basis.
• It aids in keeping your urethra open and prevents eventual kidney damage / failure.

How is it done?

• Patients will receive a local anesthetic.

• A urethroscopy is performed by placing a flexible camera in the urethra, with the help of a lubricant jelly and an irrigate (fluid), to identify the stricture.
• A guidewire is slipped through the opening of the narrowing.
• The camera is removed.
• The stricture is dilated using a graduated S dilators over the guide wire.
• Prophylactic antibiotics may be given to prevent infection.

What to expect after the procedure?

• It may be slightly uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to tell jo and request sedation if required.
• A catheter will be inserted in the urethra and bladder. This will remain in the bladder for 3 days.
• Catheters can be very irritating and cause some discomfort.
• Blood stained urine will be present.
• Lower abdominal discomfort will persist for a few days.
• NB! Each person is unique and for this reason symptoms may vary!

What next?

• Patients will be sent home with a catheter for 3 days after receiving thorough catheter care instructions.
• Arrangements will be made to remove the catheter on day 3.
• There may be some blood in the urine. This can be remedied by drinking plenty of fluids until it clears.
• A referral will be done to BlueCare Nurses, who will assess you to instruct you on daily self-dilatation.
• PLEASE CONTACT THE HOSPITAL WITH ANY POST-OPERATIVE CONCERNS AND RETURN TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY SHOULD THERE BE ANY SIGNS OF SEPSIS.

Download Information Sheet

Wes Urethroscopy & Urethral Dilatation