Urethral Dilatation

Urethral dilation is a medical procedure used to widen the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder. This is usually done to treat a condition called urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra that can cause difficulty urinating or urinary tract infections.

Urethral dilation can be done using a variety of tools, including bogies or dilators. Bogies are long, thin rods that are gradually increased in size to stretch the urethra. Dilators, on the other hand, are cone-shaped instruments that are inserted into the urethra and gradually expanded to widen the passage.

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia or sedation, and can be done on an outpatient basis. The patient will lie on their back with their legs raised and supported. The doctor will then insert the bogie or dilator into the urethra and gently advance it into the bladder. The instrument is then gradually expanded or increased in size to stretch the urethra.

After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort or mild pain when urinating, and may also see some blood in their urine. These symptoms should improve within a few days. The patient will also need to avoid sexual activity for a period of time, usually a few weeks, to allow the urethra to heal properly.

It is important to note that urethral dilation is not always effective in treating urethral strictures, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.