Meatotomy

Overview

An incision is used to make the meatus larger. Meatus is a general term used to designate an opening to a passageway in the body.  In urology it refers to the opening where urine exits the body.

Indications

When the opening is not large enough to efficiently drain the bladder the patient may experience frequent bladder infections and/or urinary retention.  It is usually confirmed by physical examination.

Procedure

A small incision is made in the meatus to increase the size of the opening. Usually there are no sutures. Swelling can occur along the area of the incision so often a foley catheter will be left in place to provide continuous drainage of urine from the bladder while the incision initially heals. There may be some physical restrictions, for example no heavy lifting, so ask your doctor specifically about restrictions for both home and work.

Post-Operative Instructions

Diet

You may return to your normal diet within 24 hours following surgery. You may note some mild nausea and possible vomiting the first 6-8 hours following surgery. This is usually due to the side effects of the anesthesia, and will disappear quite soon. Clear liquids are recommended, followed by a very light meal the first evening after surgery.

Activity

Your physical activity should be restricted the first 48 hours. During this time, you should remain relatively inactive, moving about only when necessary. During the first few days following surgery, you should avoid lifting heavy objects (anything greater than 15 pounds), and avoid strenuous exercise. If you work, ask your doctor specifically about your restrictions for both home and work. Your doctor will write a note to your employer if needed.

Ice packs can periodically be placed on the penis the first 48 hours to relieve pain and keep swelling down. (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off is a reasonable schedule). Another way of accomplishing this with less mess is to use frozen peas or corn in a Ziploc® bag which can be used, refrozen and used again.

Wound Care

In some cases you will have sutures running along the course of your incision. Expect some redness around the sutures. If there is generalized redness, especially with increasing pain or swelling, let your doctor know.  The penis will very likely get black and blue as blood in the tissues spreads. Sometimes the whole penis will turn colors. Black and blue is followed by a yellow and brown color. In time the coloration will go away.

Hygiene

You may shower 48 hours after surgery. Tub bathing should be restricted until approved by a doctor.

Medication

You will be sent home with some type of pain medication. In most cases, this will be a narcotic. If the pain is not too bad, you may take wither Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen), which contain no narcotic agents and have fewer side effects. If the pain medication you receive does not control the pain, you should let your doctor know. Some narcotic pain medications cannot be given or refilled by a phone call to the pharmacy.

Problems you should report:

• Fever of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit
• Moderate or severe swelling under the skin incision or involving the penis
• Drug reactions such as hives, rash nausea, or vomiting