Meatusenge

The narrowing of the meatus can have various causes:

• Congenital malformation: Some children are born with a narrowed urethral opening.
• Scar formation after circumcision: One of the most common causes in boys is the formation of scar tissue after circumcision.
• Chronic inflammations: Repeated inflammations or infections of the urethra can lead to a narrowing of the urethral opening.

• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Pain or burning during urination
• Prolonged time required for urination
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• In severe cases, difficulty emptying the bladder may occur

The diagnosis is made through a physical examination in which the doctor checks the urethral opening. A urine flow measurement (uroflowmetry) can be performed to assess the strength of the urine stream. In some cases, a cystoscopy (bladder endoscopy) may be necessary to examine the urethra and bladder more closely.

• Operative enlargement (Meatotomy): The most common treatment method is a minor surgical procedure to enlarge the urethral opening. This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia.
• Long-term monitoring: After the operation, the urethral opening is regularly checked to ensure that the narrowing does not recur.

Since a meatal stenosis often occurs after circumcision or due to scar formation, careful wound care after surgical procedures can reduce the risk of narrowing. Regular medical check-ups can help to detect and treat a meatal stenosis early.