The use of Emla cream as anaesthetic for minor urological surgery in children.

A number of minor urological surgical procedures can be readily carried out in children in outpatient clinics with the availability of a good topical local anaesthetic. In boys, the separation of preputial adhesions, frenulotomy, meatoplasty, meatal dilatation following circumcision or meatal surgery, the removal of smegma and excision of penile skin lesions can be performed as outpatient treatment. In girls, hymenal abnormalities, meatal abnormalities and labial adhesions come into consideration for its use. Success is dependent on a good estimation of the mental capacity of the child to undergo a local surgical procedure and correct use of the anaesthetic.