Day theatre procedure
About this service
Urethrotomy is a procedure available in Windhoek to treat a urethral stricture, a narrowing of the urethra that makes urination slow or difficult. Using a small scope, your doctor cuts the narrowed section from the inside to widen the passage and improve urine flow, without the need for open surgery. Strictures can develop after infection, injury or previous surgery, and often cause a weak stream or difficulty starting urination.
At Eastgate Clinic, urethrotomy is performed in our on-site day theatre, with consultation and follow-up managed by your GP in our rooms. Your doctor will advise whether urethrotomy or another treatment suits your stricture.
What to expect
- A flow test and sometimes a dye X-ray show where and how long the narrowing is before treatment.
- Through a slim scope, the doctor makes a precise cut in the scar tissue to open the urethra under anaesthesia.
- A catheter usually stays for a day or two so the widened section heals open.
- Your doctor rechecks your urine flow in our rooms a few weeks later and discusses ways to reduce recurrence.
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination or a stream that stops and starts
- A history of urethral injury, infection or previous catheterisation
- A stricture confirmed by your doctor's assessment
- Recurring urinary symptoms not settling with other treatment
Frequently asked questions
What causes a urethral stricture?
Scarring narrows the urethra after infection, a catheter, injury to the perineum or previous surgery. Sometimes no clear cause is found. Your doctor may confirm it with a flow test or a look with a fine scope.
Does a stricture come back after urethrotomy?
It can, particularly with longer strictures, so your doctor may teach you a short self-catheter routine or arrange regular flow checks to catch any narrowing early.
What should I watch for after urethrotomy?
Burning and pink urine are expected for a few days. Fever, inability to pass urine or heavy bleeding are reasons to contact the clinic straight away.
For referring doctors
This procedure can be booked in Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your urethrotomy (urethral stricture treatment)?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.