Download and print this article
DownloadA urethral caruncle refers to sagging inner wall of the urethra. It often happens after the menopause. Shrinkage of the surrounding tissues can lead to lax inner wall of the urethra.
Urethral Caruncle
A urethral caruncle does not always cause problems and does not necessarily need to be removed. It can sometimes cause bleeding or irritation. Rarely, it causes difficulty passing urine. If it is bothersome, it can be treated. Treatment starts with local oestrogen cream.
If this does not work, then cautery or more often removal, can be done to help improve symptoms.
You will be invited for pre op assessment. This is when the nursing staff will go through your hospital stay and explain your operation. Please do let us know about any concerns you have or if there is any information you think we should know about that will make your stay with us more comfortable.
You will need to make arrangements for your family, children or any other commitments that you have, before coming in to hospital, and to cover the length of your recovery.
On admission, the nursing staff will go through your stay on the ward again to ensure you feel comfortable whilst in the hospital.
You will see an anaesthetist and the doctor performing the surgery before you go to theatre. It is not unusual to feel anxious; the nursing staff will gladly discuss how you are feeling and talk you through your emotions.
If you have not already signed the consent form when your operation was agreed and booked, the doctor will go through it with you before you go to theatre.
The operation can be done under general anaesthesia, spinal anaesthesia or local anaesthesia, with or without sedation. The choice will depend on your preferences. Discussions about anaesthesia take place during clinic consultations, before booking.
The operation is done through the vagina. The redundant inner wall of the urethra is removed. The wall of the urethra is then closed with sutures. A catheter might be inserted for few days, to help healing. It is not uncommon to combine this with a camera examination of the inside of the urethra and bladder (cystoscopy). A separate information leaflet is available about this operation.
There are risks with any operation but these are minor, as the operation is relatively minor. The main risks associated with this operation are:
Common risks:
Uncommon risks:
In order for you to make an informed choice about your surgery please ask one of the doctors or nurses if you have any questions about the operation before signing the consent form.
As you come round you may experience episodes of pain and / or nausea. Please let the nursing staff know and they will assess you and take appropriate action.
You will have a drip to give you fluids, though you will be able to eat and drink. It is not unusual to experience lower back pain and a feeling of fullness in your bowel and generalised discomfort when sitting. We use a pain score to assess your pain 0 to 10: 0 No Pain, 10 Very Strong Pain.
Your nurse will be checking your blood pressure, pulse, respirations and temperature and monitor any vaginal bleeding. S/he will also ask you to move from side to side and to do leg and breathing exercises once you are able. This will help prevent any pressure damage, a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or chest infection.
The operation is usually carried out as a day case. You will be encouraged to sit up and start to walk, when you feel comfortable. You will be able to go home when you are passing urine without difficulty; unless you have a catheter, in which case you will be given a date to come back to have it removed.
Please feel free to ask questions about your operation and recovery at any time. The nursing team will discuss your convalescence. To ensure you have a good recovery you should take note of the following:
Rest: During the first day or two at home, you might feel tired, exhausted and emotional. You should relax during the day, gradually increasing the number of things you do. You should be able to return back to normal within a week. Avoid crossing your legs when you are lying down.
Vaginal bleeding: You can expect to have some vaginal discharge / bleeding for few days after surgery. Sanitary towels should be used, and not tampons, to reduce the risk of infection.
Stitches: The wound in the urethra will be closed by dissolvable stitches and these do not need to be removed.
Housework: We recommend that you do light activities around the house in the first day or two days. You would expect to be back to normal within a week.
Showering: You will be able to have a shower shortly after the operation. However, it is better to avoid having a bath for 2 to 3 weeks, to ensure that the wound has healed.
Exercise: Exercise is important and it is advisable to go for short walks each day, increasing the distance gradually. You should avoid straining or heavy exercise for few days, to ensure good tissue healing.
You may return to normal exercise such as gentle cycling and swimming after 4 weeks. You will be able to manage the stairs on your arrival home. We encourage you to do pelvic floor exercises. You will be given a physiotherapy booklet titled ‘Fit for Life’ to guide you.
Diet: A well balanced nutritious diet with high fibre content is essential to avoid constipation. Your bowels may take some time to return to normal after your operation and you may need to take laxatives. You should include at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day. You should aim to drink at least 2 litres of water per day.
Sex: You should usually be able to resume sexual activity within 4 weeks of the operation, to allow the vaginal wound to heal. If you experience vaginal dryness, you may wish to try a vaginal lubricant from your local pharmacy. If after this time you experience pain or any problems with intercourse then you should see your GP.
Returning to work: This will depend on the nature of your work. You can return back to work after a day or two. You may take a week off to avoid any discomfort from sitting down for a long time. A sick note can be provided, if required.
Driving: It is usually safe to drive within a week. However, this will depend on your level of concentration and ability to sit comfortably whilst driving. You may need to check with your doctor as well as your car insurance company.
A follow up can be arranged, if required. This is usually organised for 12 weeks after surgery.
If you have problems, you can either contact your doctor or contact the hospital to arrange for an appointment or bring an arranged appointment forwards.
You will have been offered, and may have tried, local oestrogen cream before opting for surgery.
You should contact your doctor or the hospital if you notice:
If you have any problems or questions, you can contact:
The Urogynaecology Unit at Lewes Victoria Hospital on 01273 474153 Extension 2178 (from 09:00 till 17:00 Monday to Friday).
The Gynaecology Ward at the Princess Royal Hospital on 01444 441881 Extension 5686.
The Gynaecology Ward at the Royal Sussex County Hospital on 01273 696955 Extension 4013.
References/useful links:
If you do not understand this leaflet, we can arrange for an interpreter.
This information leaflet has been produced by Dr. Sharif Ismail, Consultant Subspecialist Urogynaecologist.
This information leaflet has been approved at the Clinical Governance and Safety and Quality Meetings of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology as well as Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust Carer and Patient Information Group (CPIG).
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Publication Date: March 2021
Review Date: December 2023
