A urethrotomy is an operation to treat a narrowing of the urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis). The narrowing is usually caused by scar tissue forming after inflammation, an infection or injury. This can cause a slow flow of urine, often with dribbling, pain, bleeding and infection.

The benefits of surgery are a better flow of urine, improved bladder emptying and less need to get up at night. You should also be less prone to infections.

Are there any alternatives?

Other techniques used to treat a narrowing are balloon dilatation, using dilators and inserting a stent.

More complicated narrowing sometimes need open surgery.

What does the operation involve?

A urethrotomy is performed under a general or spinal anaesthetic. The operation usually takes less than half an hour.