Do you also have a blocked urethra? Let's talk about Urethral Dilation!

Have you been feeling a little difficult to urinate lately? Is the flow of urine not as fast as before, is it getting stuck, or does it feel like you haven't urinated at all? This kind of discomfort can happen to men a lot. One of the main reasons for this is a blockage in the urethra, or as we medically call it , a narrowing of the urethra (Urethral Stricture) . So today we are talking about Urethral Dilation, a simple, minor surgery that is performed as a solution to this problem.

Simply put, what is Urethral Dilation?

Urethral Dilation is a simple medical procedure that widens the narrowed or blocked part of the urethra. Imagine if a piece of dirt got stuck in a water pipe in your house, the water flow would slow down, right? That's what happens here too. The tube that carries urine out of your body is called the urethra. Scar tissue can form somewhere inside this tube and block the passage. This is called a urethral stricture .

There can be several reasons for this type of blockage:

• An infection.
• Inflammation.
• An accident or injury (trauma) to the urinary tract.
• Sometimes, a clear reason may not be found.

So, in Urethral Dilation treatment, a Urologist uses very fine, long, rod-like instruments (sounds) to gradually widen the area where your urethra is blocked. Sometimes, this is done by inserting a small balloon-like device and inflating it repeatedly.

Is this the same as urethrotomy?

Urethrotomy is a type of urethral dilation. In this procedure, the doctor inserts a pencil-sized, camera-equipped tube (cystoscope) into your urethra to examine the blockage. Then, using a very small knife (scalpel) on the same instrument, the doctor cuts away the scar tissue that is causing the blockage, widening the urethra.

How should I prepare for this treatment?

This is not a major surgery. But before that, you should see your doctor and get advice. There,

• Your general health status is checked.
• Things like blood pressure and pulse are checked.
• A cystoscopy or other imaging test may be performed to see exactly how blocked the urethra is.
• A urinalysis will be done to check for an infection. If there is an infection, you will need to take medication for it before this treatment.
• Tell your doctor about all the medications you take (prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers and vitamins), as some medications, like aspirin, can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Your doctor will tell you how long before the treatment you should stop eating or drinking. Generally, if you are having general anesthesia, it is best not to eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours.

What happens after treatment?

After treatment, you may have a urinary catheter inserted to help you pass urine until your urethra heals. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how to care for it. You should be able to urinate easily after the catheter is removed in a few days.

When you have a catheter in place, you may feel the need to urinate even though your bladder is empty. Don't be alarmed by this. It is also normal to have a little blood in your urine (hematuria). However, if your catheter is blocked and your urine is not coming out, you should see your doctor immediately.

What are the results like?

The main benefit of this treatment is that the discomfort of urinary retention is gone, and you can urinate easily and well.

In terms of success, there is a 60% success rate for small blockages less than 2 centimeters. However, this percentage may decrease over time.

What should I be careful of after treatment?

Recovery time varies from person to person. Usually, you will feel much better within a few days.

• Returning to work: You can resume normal activities in a few days. However, if you have a physically demanding job, ask your doctor for a few extra days of rest.
• Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise until your doctor gives you permission.
• Sexual activity: It is wise to avoid sexual activity for at least a week after treatment. Talk to your doctor about this as well.

If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

If you experience any unusual symptoms after treatment, do not ignore them. Call your doctor immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• Inability to urinate.
• The inserted urethral tube is blocked and urine is not coming out.
• Showing signs of infection such as fever, chills, and shivering.
• If the pain is getting worse.
• If there is unusual swelling.

If symptoms of urinary retention recur even after recovery, see a doctor.

Urethral Dilation, Urethral Stricture, Urinary Incontinence, Urologist, Cystoscopy, Urethral Dilation, Men's Health