Meatotomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about your son's meatotomy:
A meatotomy is a surgical procedure that makes the opening (meatus) at the tip of your son's penis bigger. The opening may become blocked or narrowed (stenosis), which can cause problems with urinating. You may have noticed that your son's urine stream sprays or is hard to aim. He may have pain or burning when he urinates. A meatotomy is done at a hospital or an outpatient facility.
How to prepare your son for his procedure:
Your son may be able to bottle or breast feed up to a few hours before the procedure. His healthcare provider will tell you when to stop feeding him.
What will happen during your son's procedure:
Your son will be sedated and will not feel pain during the procedure. The surgeon may use an instrument to make the opening larger. The surgeon may need to use 1 or 2 stitches to keep the meatus open.
What will happen after your son's procedure:
Your son will be kept until the sedation wears off. You will then be able to take your son home.
The risks of your son's meatotomy:
The area may bleed more than expected. Your son may develop an infection. There might be damage to the other structures of his penis. The opening may become narrow again.
Call your son's doctor if:
- Your son cannot urinate.
- There is thick yellow drainage where the stitches are.
- Your son develops a fever more than 101.5°F (38.6°C).
- Your son has increased bleeding.
- Your son does not stop vomiting for more than 6 hours after the procedure.
- Your son has signs of dehydration, including sunken eyes, no tears when crying, or urinating very little.
- You have questions or concerns about your son's condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antibiotic ointment may be needed. You will be able to get this ointment without a doctor's prescription. Your son's healthcare provider will tell you which ointment is best and how often to use it.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your son and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your son uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask his doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your son takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children under 6 months of age without direction from your son's healthcare provider.
- Give your son's medicine as directed. Contact his healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your son is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your son takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your son's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Home care for your son:
- Have your son sit in a tub with warm water to help relieve discomfort. It might feel better to him if he urinates while sitting in warm water.
- Encourage your son to drink liquids each day. More liquids will help his urine sting less. Ask your son's healthcare provider which liquids are good for him and how much he should drink.
- If your son has stitches, they will dissolve on their own.
- Do not allow your son to ride his bike, straddle things, or play contact sports. Ask his healthcare provider when it will be okay for your son to return to normal activities.
- Your son's healthcare provider may tell you to use petroleum jelly on the area several times a day.
Follow up with your son's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your son's visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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