Laser Urethotomy

Scar tissue can develop in the urinary tract. When it occurs in the outflow pipe it is called urethral stricture. If it occurs at the bladder neck it is termed bladder neck stenosis. If the scar tissue is thick enough, narrowing of the outflow pipe will obstruct the flow of urine and this can in turn cause urinary symptoms very similar to those seen with prostate enlargement.

There are a number of options for treating this problem all of which are aimed at removing the obstructing tissue to relieve the bladder and allow resolution of the urinary symptoms. In different circumstances, different options may be preferred but laser urethrotomy involves using laser energy to cut through the scar tissue fibres and open the channel.

Using a lubricating anaesthetic gel an endoscope is introduced up the urethra (outflow pipe). The scope has a light and camera technology so that structures can be seen, an irrigating system to wash away blood and debris and a working channel through which the laser fibre is directed.

Laser bladder neck incision for bladder neck stenosis is basically the same as the procedure done for bladder neck hypertrophy. It involves using the laser to make two separate cuts through muscle fibres at the 5 and 7 o’clock positions (as viewed from the feet facing towards the head and imagining a clock face). For laser urethrotomy, a single cut is made at the 12 o’clock position.

A catheter (urinary drainage tube) is placed at the end of the procedure and is usually kept in place for around 3 days. Despite this, men are able to go home either the day of or the day following surgery, as catheters are designed to be straightforward to look after.

Improvement in urinary flow is noticeable as soon as the catheter is removed and symptoms improve progressively over the next few weeks as inflammation settles. Despite the surgery, scar tissue can reoccur in some men and further procedures may be necessary.

Have a question? Get in touch.

Our team is more than happy to discuss your health and the potential treatment options available to you.

Phone: (09) 309 0912
Email: info@aucklandurologist.co.nz