What is meatal stenosis?
The urethral meatus is the opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis. When this opening becomes very small and blocks the flow of urine, this is called meatal stenosis.
What are signs of meatal stenosis?
When meatal stenosis occurs the urine stream becomes deflected upwards or may cause difficulty with urination. Occasionally, burning with urination may occur. The meatus may appear very small or pinpoint, on physical exam.
How is meatal stenosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made in the office on physical exam. Your doctor will also discuss your child’s symptoms with you, specifically focusing on how the urine stream looks upon voiding.
How is meatal stenosis treated?
When meatal stenosis is causing a deflection of the urine stream it is treated surgically with a procedure called meatotomy. This is usually done in the operating room under anesthesia. The small meatus is opened up with one small cut. We may send you and your child home with a small dilator to gently place in the meatus to prevent the hole from narrowing again after the procedure.