Why is this procedure done?
The urethra is the tube that drains urine from the bladder out of the body. In men, the urethra is also important in ejaculating semen. Infections, injuries, and illnesses can cause the urethra to narrow. The urethra is sometimes blocked. When the urethra becomes blocked, doctors may use a surgical procedure called direct vision internal urethrotomy to fix the blockage. ‚
The procedure uses a camera and small tools to cut open the blockage. The procedure is done so that urine can pass out of the body without pain. ‚
What will the results be?
The blockage in the urethra will likely be fixed and your signs will go away. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- If done in emergency cases, no preparation is needed.
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are completely asleep.
- You will lie on your back and your doctor will clean your genitals.
- Your doctor will put a tube with a tiny camera into your penis and locate the blockage. A special tool inside the scope will fix the blockage.
- After the blockage is fixed, the doctor will put a flexible tube in your penis to drain urine.
- The procedure takes 30 minutes to an hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
- You may go home after you recover or when your doctor tells you to.
- You may have discomfort and numbness after the procedure and for about 2 weeks. Your doctor will give you drugs for the pain.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Do not lift more than 10 pounds for 2 weeks.
- Do not drive or have sex for 1 week, or as ordered by your doctor.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- You may go home with a catheter in your bladder. If so:
- You can wash your genitals or the catheter insertion site with mild soap and warm water. Pat the area dry afterwards.
- Your doctor will teach you how to care for your catheter. Follow your doctors instructions.
- Always tape the catheter to your skin to avoid accidental pulling.
- Your doctor may tell you to change your catheter every 3 to 5 days. Your doctor will tell you how to change your catheter. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- You may shower. Avoid taking tub baths, soaking in a hot tub, and swimming.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids daily.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if you need other tests.
- Your doctor will remove the catheter within 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will set up a visit for removal.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
You may have to delay sex for a week. Ask your doctor when you can have sex. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Erection problems
- Pain during sex
- Burning with urination
- Bladder spasms
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain when passing urine, feeling a need to pass urine even after you have.
- No urine is coming out of the catheter for 8 hours
- Problems passing urine after the catheter is removed
- Large amount of blood in urine. A bit of spotting is normal for a few days.
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Very bad pain not helped by drugs ordered by the doctor
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=93 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚