Contact number: 020 7806 4010
Contact number: 020 7078 3831
What is Urethra Widening?
Urethra widening is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stretch or widen the urethra to treat a narrowing (urethral stricture). This narrowing is often caused by:
- Scar tissue from previous surgeries or injuries
- Chronic infections
- Inflammatory conditions
During the procedure, specialised instruments are used to gently stretch the urethra or remove obstructions. In some cases, a catheter may be temporarily inserted to ensure proper healing.
Urethra widening is commonly recommended for patients experiencing symptoms such as:
- Weak urine flow
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urination
- Frequent urinary tract infections
Urethra Widening at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we offer urethra widening procedures designed with your comfort in mind. Our skilled urologists provide a high standard of care, using precise methods to address your condition and support a smooth recovery.
Why choose us for urethra widening?
- Specialist Urologists: Our consultants have extensive experience in treating urinary obstructions and urethral strictures.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: We use gentle and precise methods to minimise discomfort and recovery time.
- Modern Facilities: Our hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical tools to support effective treatment.
- Accessible Location: Conveniently located in NW8, we serve patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and across London.
We are dedicated to helping you regain comfort and confidence through expert and compassionate care.
How Much Does Private Urethra Widening Cost?
from £1,695*
The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. Doesn’t include surgeon or anaesthetist fee. Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
| £1,695 |
| £1,895 |
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urethra Widening
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Urethral dilation is a procedure to gently widen a narrowed urethra using specialised instruments. It is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
The procedure is performed with anaesthesia, so there is no pain during the treatment. Some mild discomfort may be experienced afterwards but can usually be managed with medication and rest.
The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the severity of the narrowing.
Recovery is usually quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding strenuous activities can support healing.
Urethra widening is recommended for patients with symptoms of urethral stricture, such as difficulty urinating, recurrent urinary tract infections, or discomfort during urination, that have not improved with non-surgical treatments.
Common reasons why someone might need urethra widening include:
- Urethral stenosis – when the tube that carries urine becomes narrow, this can impact the way a person will pass urine. This can result from inflammation, injury, infection, or other factors.
- Urethral stricture – similar to a urethral stenosis, but the main difference is that this condition is specifically caused by the formation of scar tissue.
- Post-surgical scar tissue
- Radiation therapy
- Congenital abnormalities