Optical Urethrotomy Melbourne
Optical urethrotomy is a procedure performed for urethral strictures (see urethral stricture information). This procedure is performed via a cystoscopy. Using a knife or laser fibre, the narrowed area is cut along the scar tissue to widen the urethra.
Please inform staff if you are taking any blood thinning medication (anticoagulants) as these will need to be stopped prior to surgery.
This procedure may require an overnight admission. Following your procedure, a urethral catheter may be inserted to allow healing to take place. This will be removed the following morning and staff will monitor how well you are emptying your bladder. If satisfactory and following review by your doctor, you will be discharged home.
Following discharge
- It is important you maintain a high fluid intake. 1.5 -2 litres per day is adequate. Some patients may require to drink more.
- You may experience some burning and stinging when passing urine. This is normal and does settle in a few days. For some patients, the burning/stinging may persist longer. Drinking adequate fluids helps this settle quicker
- You may also see blood in your urine. It is important again that you drink adequate fluids to keep your urine diluted and to prevent clots forming which may block the urethra.
- Avoid any strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for 2 weeks following your surgery.
- Your surgeon will decide whether you return to the rooms for urethral dilation using an intermittent catheter or whether the passage of sounds is required instead. For some patients, a urine flow test and bladder scan residual is required 4 weeks following surgery. Your urologist will discuss the best management for you.
Please call the rooms if you experience any of the following:
- Unable to pass urine
- Offensive/cloudy urine
- Fever/chills
- Persistent burning/stinging 4 weeks following surgery.
- Worsening bleeding or the passing of clots