Meatoplasty (mee-AT-uh-plas-tee) is a simple procedure to fix meatal stenosis. The meatus (mee-AY-tis) is the opening in a boy's penis where the urine (pee) comes out. In meatal stenosis (mee-AT-ul steh-NO-sis), the meatus is too small.
Meatoplasty (also called meatotomy) makes the meatus bigger so that pee can come out normally.
Meatoplasty is done by a urologist , a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems with the urinary system. Before the meatoplasty, a boy gets general anesthesia so he will sleep through the procedure and not feel pain.
The urologist makes a small cut in the meatus to make the opening bigger. Absorbable stitches (stitches that dissolve on their own) are placed around the bigger meatus. This helps it stay bigger as it heals.
A boy might have some vomiting (throwing up) for a short time after the surgery. This is from the anesthesia and usually goes away within a few hours.
Some redness, soreness, and swelling where the cut was made are normal for a day or two after meatoplasty.
After the surgery, it's OK for your son to have clear liquids (such as apple juice, broth, ice pops, and water). For babies, give an oral electrolyte solution (ORS), which is a special liquid with the right amounts of water and electrolytes for children. Brand names include Pedialyte® and Enfalyte® and many stores also have a store brand. You can buy it at drugstores or supermarkets without a prescription.
If your son is taking the clear liquids/electrolyte drinks well, you can slowly start to give a regular diet.
For the first day after the surgery, dress your son in loose-fitting underwear. If he's still in diapers, change the diaper often. Or let your son be without a diaper if possible.
It's usually OK for a boy to bathe as usual starting the day after the surgery. But check with your doctor first.
For the next 2 weeks: Gently pull the edges of the meatus apart and apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the tip of the meatus 3 to 4 times a day.
After 2 weeks: Continue to gently pull the edges of the meatus apart and apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly once a day (at night) for another 2 weeks.
For 2–3 weeks, your son should not:
If your son is uncomfortable, a pain medicine may help:
Go to all follow-up doctor visits as recommended.
Call the doctor if your son:
Reviewed by: T. Ernesto Figueroa, MD
Date Reviewed: Mar 11, 2019