As a mother, you must be very concerned about your little boy. Does he cry when he urinates ? Or does he urinate all over the place instead of going straight? Maybe he urinates very slowly and quickly? It's normal to feel scared when you see things like this. The reason for this may be that his urethral meatus is narrow. Today, we'll talk about this condition and the minor surgery called Meatoplasty.
What is Meatoplasty and Meatotomy?
Simply put, Meatoplasty is a minor surgery to enlarge the urethral meatus, the opening at the tip of the penis where urine comes out. When this opening becomes narrow, it becomes difficult for the child to urinate . So, this surgery is done to make the opening slightly larger, allowing the child to urinate easily and without pain.
Is there a difference between Meatoplasty and Meatotomy?
These two are very similar methods, but there is a slight difference.
- Meatoplasty: In this, the doctor makes a small incision at the tip of the penis, enlarges the opening, reshapes the tissue, and perhaps places a few stitches.
- Meatotomy: This is a bit simpler . It only involves widening the hole. In most cases, no tissue reshaping or suturing is required.
But most people use both words interchangeably, so you don't need to think too much about it.
In what cases is this surgery necessary?
This surgery is mainly done for a condition called Meatal Stenosis . That is, as mentioned earlier, the opening through which urine comes out is narrowed and blocked. This can be a congenital condition in some children. But most of the time, it occurs later in life, between the ages of 3 and 7. This condition is especially common in circumcised boys.
If you suspect your son has this condition, keep an eye out for these symptoms.
| Symptom | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Difficulty controlling urination | When urinating in the toilet, it moves back and forth, unable to aim precisely. |
| Urinary tract changes | The urethra is very narrow, passes urine at a high rate, or passes urine upward or to the side instead of straight. |
| Spraying | The urine doesn't go in a continuous stream, but instead sprays everywhere like a spray of water. |
| Frequent urination | Needing to urinate more often than normal. |
| Pain or inflammation | The child may complain of pain or burning when urinating or may cry while urinating . |
In addition, doctors sometimes recommend this surgery for children with a mild form of the birth defect called hypospadias, a condition in which the urethral opening is located slightly lower than the tip of the penis.
Why is the urethra so narrow?
The main reason for this is the fine wounds and scars that form on the tip of the penis. There can be several reasons for this.
- Circumcision: After circumcision, the tip of the penis is exposed, so rubbing that part against a diaper or underwear can cause minor injuries, scarring, and narrowing of the opening.
- Rubbing the diaper: Rubbing the baby's penis for a long time on a wet diaper can also be a cause of this.
- Catheter use: If a urinary catheter is left in place for a long time due to a medical condition, this hole may also become narrow.
How do you prepare before surgery?
Before the surgery, you have to take your child to the doctor. There, the doctor will do these things.
- Checking the child's health: The child's general health, weight, and height are checked.
- Physical examination: The child's penis is examined and the width of the urethral opening is measured.
- Asking questions: You will be asked about the way your child urinates . Things like where the urine goes, whether it drips, etc.
- Observation: If possible, watch the child urinate and measure the speed of the urine stream.
It is important to tell the doctor about any other illnesses, bleeding problems, allergies, and any medications your child is taking. Some painkillers (NSAIDs) and other medications can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
How to shape a child's mind?
It is normal for a child to be scared when facing something like this. But it is very important for you to stay calm. Because your child can feel your fear and anxiety. The doctor will explain the surgery to you. Ask and answer any questions you may have. Before the surgery, give your child his favorite toy, read him a favorite storybook. When you stay calm, your child will feel a lot more relaxed.
How is the surgery performed?
This is a minor surgery that usually takes less than an hour.
First, the baby is anesthetized. This means the baby is deeply asleep and does not feel any pain during the surgery.
After the child is asleep, the Pediatric Urologist will follow these steps:
1. First, measure the size of the hole using a fine tube.
2. Then, below the hole, a small 'V'-shaped incision is made on the underside of the penis to widen the hole.
3. Next, surgical glue is used to reattach the tissue. If necessary, a few stitches are placed, which dissolve on their own after a few days.
4. If necessary, a small tube (catheter) may be temporarily inserted to make urination easier.
After the surgery, the child will be taken to a recovery room. After the child wakes up, if their condition is good, they can often go home the same day.
How to take care of the child after surgery?
The first week after surgery is very important. Your child needs your help to heal quickly.
| What to do | Description and instructions |
|---|---|
| Pain control | Give painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen as prescribed by the doctor. Never give Aspirin, as it can increase bleeding. |
| Applying cosmetics | Gently apply an antiseptic cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) recommended by your doctor to the surgical site at least three times a day. This will help keep the wound from drying out and reduce diaper rash. |
| Cleanliness | Bathe your child in lukewarm water. But do not rub the surgical site with soap. Rinse gently with water and pat dry with a clean cloth. |
| Clothes and nappies | Dress the child in loose, non-constricting clothing. If using diapers, change them frequently. If possible, going without diapers for a few hours a day will help the wound heal. |
| Activity restriction | Keep your child away from rough play for a week. Riding a bike, swinging, and playing see-saw are not good at this time. |
When do I need to see the doctor or go to the ETU?
Always monitor your child's recovery after surgery. If there is any problem, take action immediately.
Usually, the doctor will take you back for a follow-up appointment. Be sure to bring your child with you at that time.
However, if any of the following symptoms are present, immediately take the child to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) .
- If you have a fever of 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) or higher .
- If there is persistent and excessive bleeding from the surgical site.
- If the child's pain is increasing .
- If you vomit more than three times a day.
- If it is difficult to urinate , or if the child's diaper has been dry for a long time.
Take-Home Message
- If your son is having difficulty urinating , it could be a condition called Meatal Stenosis. This is a common and treatable condition.
- `Meatoplasty` is a simple, safe, and highly effective surgery for this. Don't be afraid of it.
- Following the doctor's instructions exactly after surgery is very important for the child to recover quickly.
- If you notice any unusual symptoms during your child's recovery, seek medical advice immediately. Ask your doctor anything you have in mind.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න