Urethral Dilatation in London
Urethral dilatation is a minimally invasive procedure that gently widens a narrowed urethra to improve urine flow. It can provide prompt relief from symptoms such as a weak stream, straining or incomplete bladder emptying.
It is often considered for a first or short urethral stricture. However, strictures can return over time, so your consultant will explain clearly what dilatation may achieve and when a more durable treatment may be appropriate.
What is urethral dilatation?
Urethral dilatation is one of the simpler procedures used to treat a urethral stricture. A urethral stricture is a narrowing in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It is usually caused by scar tissue.
During dilatation, the narrowed section is gently widened using progressively larger dilators or a balloon. This can open the urinary channel and allow urine to flow more freely.
The procedure is minimally invasive and may be carried out under local anaesthetic. It can offer relatively quick relief from symptoms, particularly for men with a first or short stricture.
It is important to understand that dilatation stretches the scar tissue but does not remove it. The stricture can therefore narrow again over time. If symptoms return repeatedly, your consultant may discuss more durable options, such as urethroplasty.
Stretching the narrowing
Urethral dilatation works by widening the scarred area of the urethra.
Gentle stretching
The narrowed section is widened using progressively larger dilators or a balloon.
Improved urine flow
Opening the channel can relieve blockage and improve symptoms such as a weak stream or straining.
Recurrence is possible
As the scar tissue is stretched rather than removed, the stricture may narrow again over time.
Who urethral dilatation may suit
Urethral dilatation may be appropriate for men who:
- Have a first or short urethral stricture
- Want to discuss a minimally invasive treatment option
- Have urinary symptoms caused by a narrowing in the urethra
- Are not suitable for, or would prefer to defer, reconstructive surgery
- Understand that the stricture may return after treatment
What to expect
- Assessment
Your consultant will confirm that a urethral stricture is causing your symptoms and discuss whether dilatation is an appropriate option. Assessment may include a urine flow test, flexible urethroscopy or imaging. - The procedure
The narrowed area is gently widened using dilators or a balloon. The procedure may be carried out under local anaesthetic. Your consultant will explain what applies to you. - Follow-up
Your consultant will review how your urinary symptoms respond and discuss the next steps if the stricture returns.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for urethral dilatation in London?
Minimally invasive option
Urethral dilatation is a simpler procedure than reconstructive surgery and may be carried out under local anaesthetic.
Prompt relief of symptoms
Widening the urethra can improve urine flow and reduce straining for suitable men.
A reasonable first step for selected strictures
Dilatation may be an appropriate initial treatment for a first or short stricture.
Clear advice about recurrence
Your consultant will explain the chance of the stricture returning and discuss when a more durable option may be worth considering.
From assessment to durable care
Urethral dilatation is often used as an initial treatment.
Not every stricture is best managed with repeated stretching. When recurrence becomes frequent or the stricture is longer, reconstructive surgery such as urethroplasty may provide a more durable solution.
Treatment decisions are based on length, location and recurrence pattern.
Frequently asked questions
Does urethral dilatation hurt?
The procedure may be carried out under local anaesthetic to reduce discomfort. Your consultant will explain what to expect and the steps taken to keep you comfortable.
Will the urethral stricture come back?
It can. Dilatation stretches scar tissue rather than removing it, which means the narrowing may return. If you need repeat procedures, your consultant may discuss whether urethroplasty could offer a more durable option.
How is urethral dilatation different from urethroplasty?
Urethral dilatation widens the stricture by stretching it and is less invasive, but the effect may be temporary. Urethroplasty is reconstructive surgery to repair the narrowed part of the urethra and may provide a more durable result for suitable strictures.
Can I dilate the stricture myself?
In selected cases, intermittent self-dilatation may be taught to help keep a stricture open. Your consultant will advise whether this is appropriate and provide clear guidance if it is recommended.
Prompt relief, with clear advice
Urethral dilatation may help improve urine flow caused by a stricture. Our consultant urologists can assess whether it is appropriate and explain the treatment options available.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
