Urethral Meatotomy in the Office Using Topical EMLA Cream for Anesthesia

Abstract

We determined the effectiveness of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) topical cream for anesthesia during urethral meatotomy performed in an office setting. Meatotomy was performed in 58 patients 1 hour after topical application of EMLA cream to the glans. Of the 58 patients 55 had no pain, while early in our experience 3 had limited discomfort because EMLA cream was applied in too small a volume or it became dislodged. Results have been good in 57 patients, while partial restenosis developed in 1. Urethral meatotomy in an office setting with EMLA cream for anesthesia is generally painless, well tolerated, successful and cost-effective versus operative meatotomy.