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Meatal stenosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Female urinary tract
Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Meatal stenosis
Meatal stenosis

Alternative Names    Return to top

Urethral meatal stenosis

Definition    Return to top

Meatal stenosis is a narrowing of the opening of the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body.

Causes    Return to top

Meatal stenosis can affect both males and females, but it is more common in males.

In males, it is often caused by swelling and irritation (inflammation) after a newborn is circumcised. This leads to abnormal tissue growth and scarring across the opening of the urethra. The problem is usually not found until the child is toilet trained.

In females, this condition is present at birth (congenital). Although less common, metal stenosis may also affect adult women.

Risks include:

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

In boys, a history and physical exam are enough to make the diagnosis.

In girls, a voiding cystourethrogram may be done. The narrowing may also be found during a physical exam, or when a health care provider tries to place a Foley catheter.

Other tests may include:

Treatment    Return to top

In females, meatal stenosis can usually be treated in the health care provider's office. This is done using local anesthesia to numb the area. Then the opening of the urethra is widened (dilated) with special instruments.

In boys, a minor outpatient surgery called meatoplasty is the treatment of choice.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Most people will urinate normally after treatment.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if your child has symptoms of this disorder.

Prevention    Return to top

If your baby boy has recently been circumcised, try to keep the diaper clean and dry. Avoid exposing the newly circumcised penis to any irritants.

References    Return to top

Jordan GH, Schlossberg SM. Surgery of the penis and urethra. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 33.

Elder JS. Abnormalities of the genitalia in boys and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 126.

Elder JS. Obstruction of the urinary tract. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 540.

Elder JS. Anomalies of the penis and urethra. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 544.

Update Date: 9/7/2008

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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