FELINE PENECTOMY DUE TO URETHRAL OBSTRUCTION: A NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Urethral obstruction is a common emergency in male cats and may cause severe systemic alterations when urinary flow is not restored. This study aimed to analyze the use of penectomy in the treatment of cats affected by urethral obstruction. This is a narrative literature review with a qualitative and descriptive approach, conducted using the PubMed, SciELO, and Virtual Health Library databases, considering publications from 2021 to 2026. The results demonstrated that urethral obstruction has a multifactorial origin, involving anatomical, inflammatory, metabolic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Penectomy associated with perineal urethrostomy is mainly indicated in recurrent cases or those refractory to clinical treatment, as well as in cases of strictures, trauma, and inability to relieve urethral obstruction. The literature showed that preoperative stabilization, proper execution of the surgical technique, and postoperative care are essential for therapeutic success. The main complications include hemorrhage, urinary tract infection, dehiscence, and stomal stenosis. It is concluded that the procedure generally has a favorable prognosis, contributing to the restoration of urinary flow and the reduction of recurrent obstructions, although continued management of the underlying urinary tract disease remains necessary.