What procedure is performed to remove a stricture at the urethral meatus?

The procedure performed to remove a stricture at the urethral meatus is known as urethral meatotomy. This surgical intervention specifically involves making an incision to widen the urethral meatus, thereby alleviating any constriction or obstruction that may be affecting the outflow of urine. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing strictures that are localized to the meatus, as it directly addresses the narrowed area and allows for improved urinary function.

In contrast, urethral dilation involves the gradual widening of the urethra using various instruments but does not address the underlying structure as definitively as a meatotomy. Cystoscopy is primarily a diagnostic procedure used to visualize the interior of the bladder and urethra, rather than a treatment for strictures. Urethrectomy, which is the surgical removal of a portion of the urethra, is more invasive and typically reserved for severe cases, including cancer, rather than for strictures at the meatus itself. Therefore, urethral meatotomy is the most appropriate and targeted option for treating a stricture at the urethral meatus.