Meatal stenosis

Urethral meatal stenosis
Classification and external resources
ICD-9-CM	598.9
DiseasesDB	13562
MedlinePlus	001599
MeSH	D014525
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Urethral meatal stenosis or urethral stricture is a narrowing (stenosis) of the opening of the urethra at the external meatus /miːˈeɪtəs/, thus constricting the opening through which urine leaves the body from the urinary bladder.

Studies have indicated that male circumcision contributes to the development of urethral stricture. Among circumcised males, reported incidence figures include 0%, 0.01%, 0.55%, 0.9%, 2.8%, 7.29%, 9-10%, 11%, and 20%, In Van Howe's study, all cases of meatal stenosis were among circumcised boys. When the meatus is not covered by the foreskin, it can rub against urine soaked diapers resulting in inflammation and mechanical trauma. Meatal stenosis may also be caused by ischemia resulting from damage to the frenular artery during circumcision.

In non-circumcised males, meatal stenosis can occur where phimosis or lichen sclerosus is present. In females, this can be a congenital condition that can be corrected surgically. Surgical treatment, or vaginoplasty is done to separate a fused urethra and vagina or to repair of a urethra that is short

In boys, history and physical exam is adequate to make the diagnosis. In girls, VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram) is usually diagnostic. Other tests may include:

In females, meatal stenosis can usually be treated in the physician's office using local anesthesia to numb the area and dilating (widening) the urethral opening with special instruments.

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