Name of the Procedure:

Biopsy of the Urethra

Summary

A biopsy of the urethra involves removing a small tissue sample from the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) for examination under a microscope. This helps diagnose or rule out various medical conditions.

Purpose

A urethral biopsy is performed to:

• Diagnose inflammatory conditions, infections, or cancers of the urethra.
• Investigate abnormal growths or lesions.
• Determine the cause of urethral strictures (narrowing) or other abnormalities.

The goal is to identify the underlying issue so appropriate treatment can be started.

Indications

• Persistent urethral pain or discomfort.
• Unexplained bleeding from the urethra.
• Abnormal findings from imaging tests.
• Presence of lumps, bumps, or ulcerations in the urethra.
• Diagnostic requirement for conditions such as urethral cancer.

Preparation

• Patients may be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Certain medications may need to be adjusted or stopped, such as blood thinners.
• A urine sample may be required, and a full medical history will be reviewed.
• Pre-procedure tests, such as urinalysis or imaging, might be conducted.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned appropriately, usually in a lithotomy position.
2. Local anesthesia or sedation may be administered to minimize discomfort.
3. The urethral opening is cleaned, and a sterile drape is placed.
4. A cystoscope (a thin tube with a camera) may be used to visualize the urethra.
5. Biopsy forceps or a small cutting instrument is used to remove a tissue sample.
6. The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes.

Setting

Performed in outpatient clinics, hospital's procedure rooms, or surgical centers.

Personnel

• Urologist or surgeon
• Medical assistant
• Nurse
• Anesthesiologist, if sedation is used

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding at the biopsy site
• Infection
• Pain or discomfort post-procedure
• Urethral stricture development
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia, if used

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of underlying urethral conditions.
• Informative biopsy results typically available within a few days.
• Enables targeted treatment planning for better outcomes.

Recovery

• Mild discomfort or spotting may occur for a few days.
• Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activity for about 24-48 hours.
• Follow-up appointments to discuss biopsy results and next steps.
• Patients may be instructed on detailed hygiene and care practices to avoid infection.

Alternatives

• Watchful waiting with regular monitoring might be an option in some cases.
• Imaging tests (like MRI or CT scans) instead of direct biopsy.
• Non-invasive urine tests for certain conditions.
• The choice of an alternative depends on the individual's condition and expected outcomes.

Patient Experience

• Some discomfort or pressure during the procedure.
• Mild, manageable pain post-procedure with over-the-counter pain relief.
• Detailed post-procedure and pain management instructions provided for a better recovery experience.