Urethrorrhaphy, suture of urethral wound or injury, female
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Urethrorrhaphy, suture of urethral wound or injury (female)
Summary
Urethrorrhaphy is a surgical procedure performed to repair a wound or injury in the urethra, the tube that allows urine to pass from the bladder out of the body. In females, this procedure involves suturing the damaged tissues in the urethral wall to promote proper healing and restore normal function.
Purpose
Urethrorrhaphy is performed to address urethral wounds or injuries, which may be caused by trauma, surgery, infections, or medical conditions that affect the integrity of the urethral wall. The primary goal is to repair the damage, prevent infections, and restore normal urinary function.
Indications
- Symptoms like bleeding, urinary incontinence, or pain during urination.
- Trauma or injury to the pelvis or perineal area.
- Diagnosed tear or rupture in the urethral wall.
- Persistent urethral pain or dysfunction following surgery or other medical interventions.
Preparation
- Patients may be instructed to fast for a specific period before the procedure.
- Adjustment or temporary discontinuation of certain medications, as advised by the doctor.
- Pre-procedure diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, ultrasound, or cystoscopy to assess the extent of the damage.
Procedure Description
- Anesthesia: The patient is typically given general anesthesia to ensure they are asleep and comfortable during the procedure.
- Incision: A small incision is made near the injured area to access the urethra.
- Suturing: The surgeon carefully sutures the torn or damaged sections of the urethral wall using specialized surgical stitches.
- Closing Incision: The external incision is closed using stitches or surgical glue.
Tools used include surgical sutures, scalpels, and other standard surgical instruments.
Duration
The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the extent of the injury and complexity of the repair.
Setting
Urethrorrhaphy is performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized surgical center equipped for such procedures.
Personnel
- Surgeon specializing in urology.
- Anesthesiologist.
- Surgical nurses and technicians.
Risks and Complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or blood clots.
- Risk of re-injury or incomplete healing.
- Potential temporary or permanent changes in urinary function.
- Anesthesia-related risks.
Benefits
- Effective repair of the urethral wound or injury.
- Restoration of normal urinary function.
- Reduced pain and discomfort.
- Lowered risk of infections and complications associated with untreated urethral injuries.
Recovery
- Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a short period for observation.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Instructions to avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting.
- Keeping the surgical site clean and dry.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove stitches if necessary.
Alternatives
- Urethral catheterization to allow the urethra to heal naturally (for minor injuries).
- Non-surgical intervention methods, though these may not be effective for severe injuries.
- Conservative management with close monitoring.
Patient Experience
- During the procedure, patients will be under anesthesia and will not feel pain.
- Post-procedure, patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort or pain, manageable with medications.
- Temporary urinary catheter may be placed to ensure proper drainage of urine during initial healing.
- Gradual return to normal activities based on the surgeon’s recommendations.
Pain is usually managed with prescribed painkillers, and patients are provided with detailed care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.