If the narrowing becomes significant, urine will trouble flowing from the bladder and may cause the bladder to not empty completely. The meatus, which normally appears as a vertical slit, measures an average of 5.4 mm in length for children, and 8 mm . The causes, signs and symptoms of this condition are discussed. The child should preferably wear loose underwear after the procedure and for 24 hours. Meatal stenosis can cause a boy to: pee upward. Last Update: May 30, 2022. . In some boys, particularly following circumcision , scar tissue forms around the tip of the penis, causing a narrowing of the urethral opening. - Meatal stenosis Risks & Complications in Hindi . Phimosis is defined as the inability to retract the skin (foreskin or prepuce) covering the head (glans) of the penis. The treatment for meatal stenosis is a simple procedure to make the opening of the meatus bigger called a meatoplasty. Some boys are born with the condition, and some develop it as consequence of inflammation or infection of the foreskin in those who are not circumcised. Study Resources. These are physicians who have devoted their careers . Honestly, Zach and I both thought it was for attention and that he was doing the typical regression thing we'd heard about when children welcome in a new sibling. This procedure can be done in the clinic with local pain medication or the child can be asleep for the procedure (general anesthesia) based on . Meatotomy is a simple procedure in which the ventrum of the meatus is crushed (for hemostasis) for 60 seconds with a straight mosquito hemostat and then divided with fine-tipped scissors. Rarely, meatal stenosis will be associated with hypospadias (before or after hypospadias repair) and may be . In females, meatal stenosis is most often treated in the provider's office. Occasional children will have pain on urination or small amounts of blood at the end of the urine stream. Urethral stricture. The treatment for meatal stenosis is called a meatoplasty(mee-AT-uh-plas-tee). Finally, it can also be caused by a mild injury to the tip of the penis as it rubs against the diaper or the child's own skin after circumcision. Rarely, a fistula, which is a tunnel that forms between the urethra and the skin on the penis, can occur after surgery, causing urine to leak. In males, it is often caused by swelling and irritation (inflammation) after a newborn is circumcised . take a long time to get all the pee out. secure access to your child's medical records, appointment reminders and more. . Meatal stenosis is a narrowing of the. In meatal stenosis (mee-AT-ul steh-NO-sis), the meatus is too small. DefinitionMeatal stenosis is a narrowing of the opening of the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body.Alternative NamesUrethral meatal stenosisCauses, incidence, and risk . this surgery is very minor and usually requires only local anesthesia. Table 1. It is most common in circumcised boys. Patients with the diag-nosis of hypospadias (ICD-9752.61) and/or surgical coding Meatotomy is a simple procedure in which the ventrum of the meatus is crushed (for hemostasis . If your child has meatal stenosis, you'll probably notice it when it's time to toilet train. Meatal stenosis is most commonly associated with circumcision. What Is Meatal Stenosis? . Conditions & Treatments; SEE SOMEONE RIGHT AWAY. In addition, meatal stenosis and/or urethral stricture should be seriously considered when the child develops urinary tract infection after hypospadias surgery. Urethral stricture is a narrowing of part, or all of, the urethra (the tube that carries urine outside the body from the bladder). View meatal-stenosis.pdf from BSBA N/A at University of Manila. Irritation can come from rubbing against a diaper, an injury . RESULTS. It's done by a urologist , a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems with the urinary system. The surgical procedure for correcting meatal stenosis is called a meatotomy. Urethral strictures in children may result from diaper irritation (meatal stenosis), trauma, prior surgery or . Univariate analysis: treatment and characteristics of patients diagnosed with meatal stenosis over a 4-year period. . Diagnostic Considerations. The symptoms of meatal stenosis happen as a result of urine flow becoming partly blocked. Meatal stenosis is the name given to the condition where the opening at the tip of the penis becomes narrower. . If you are concerned your child may be experiencing these urinary symptoms, make an appointment with one of our Nurse . In females, meatal stenosis is most often treated in the provider's office. Untreated it may give rise to urinary tract infections and kidney damage. Meatal stenosis can affect both males and females. Meatal Stenosis. The patients with meatal stenosis were treated by dilatation using topical 0.05% betamethasone cream daily (twice per day) for 3 months. . Meatal stenosis presented in 13 children during follow . Acquired meatal stenosis is caused by a "chemical" inflammation in the area, as a result of exposure to materials like Ammonia, which is secreted in the urine. This includes all encounters billed by a provider where meatal stenosis was a diagnosis, but did not have to be the primary diagnosis. The mean (range) follow-up was 29 (12-37) months; 19 patients who developed early stenosis were treated by dilatation with topical steroids. What is Pediatric Meatal Stenosis? The good news is, our pediatric urologists can fix meatal stenosis with a simple outpatient surgery. A possible cause for meatal stenosis is when the opening of the urethra is over-exposed to . Meatal stenosis is a common complication of circumcision . This simple procedure makes the opening of the meatus bigger. Kye has been using the potty since he was 18 months old. Scheduling Appointments for Meatal Stenosis Treatment at New York Urology Specialists. Treatment. This procedure takes away the stuck part of the meatus (meatotomy) or uses stitches to keep it open (mentoplasty). Boys are not born with meatal stenosis. Your child will have some minor discomfort after the procedure, but this should . Meatal stenosis What is it? Children's Minnesota is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. View Transcript. Introduction. Meatal Stenosis. Meatal Stenosis. . Meatal stenosis is a narrowing of the opening of the urethra, the hole at the tip of the penis through which urine leaves the body. Nemours pediatric urologists offer surgery for meatal stenosis. Then the opening of the urethra is widened (dilated) with special instruments. 3 Incidence As the definition of meatal stenosis varies in different publications, it is difficult to determine the exact incidence of meatal stenosis. In boys, a minor outpatient surgery called meatoplasty is the treatment of choice. Meatal stenosis may be prevented by avoiding child circumcision, which is a medically-unnecessary, non-therapeutic surgical amputation procedure. Then the opening of the urethra is widened (dilated) with special instruments. Meatal Stenosis Treatment. Having to urinate often. Meatotomy is a simple common procedure for the treatment of MS that can be performed with minimal instrumentation and in this procedure, . It occurs when the opening of the penis (called the meatus) that allows urine to escape from the bladder becomes narrowed or restricted. This may mean that circumcision has caused the meatus to become narrower. While this . Nemours pediatric urologists offer surgery for meatal stenosis. View More. Soon after Brittlynn was born Kye started having potty issues. In meatal stenosis, the opening in a child's penis where the urine (pee) comes out is too small. - [Fran Farley] Shriners Children's provides the highest level of specialized pediatric orthopedic care. Meatal stenosis is a condition in which the meatus (opening at the tip of the penis) becomes narrower than the typical penis. Joudi M, Fathi M, Hiradfar M. Incidence of asymptomatic meatal stenosis in children . Meatal stenosis is the narrowing of the opening at the tip of the urethra through which urine passes. Some time after circumcision, irritation or inflammation of the opening leads to the formation of scar tissue. . It is very rare in girls. It usually occurs in males who are circumcised and often develops between the ages of 3 and 7. . Although BXO is difficult to treat, meatotomy yields good results in patients with this condition. VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED. If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5747. Then the opening of the urethra is widened (dilated) with special instruments. It involves making a small slit to increase the size of the meatus. Meatal stenosis is most often treated, as an in- or out-patient, with a minor surgical procedure called a meatotomy. Meatal stenosis is the narrowing of the urethra on the tip of the penis. Because its protective foreskin has been removed, the urinary meatus (pee hole) at the tip of the glans (head) of a circumcised penis can develop inflammation and scar tissue and become abnormally narrow. . Clematis is a homeopathic treatment that may relieve some of the symptoms associated with urethral strictures. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Playground activities, bicycle rides, and other active sports . Meatal Stenosis. Meatal stenosis is not common. This is done using local anesthesia to numb the area. According to MedlinePlus.gov, issues that can result from this . This is usually a result of the newly exposed skin of the penis rubbing against the diaper, causing chronic irritation and resulting in scarring and then narrowing of the meatus. Technically, circumcision is a type of injury to the meatus, which is located on the head of the penis. The good news is that it is possible to get treatment for meatal stenosis. Surgical meatotomy or meatoplasty is, in general, curative. Meatal stenosis is usually noticed when a boy starts to toilet train and has trouble aiming his pee into the toilet. [2] As many as 1 in 5 boys who have undergone circumcision for balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO; also referred to as lichen sclerosus) may require subsequent operative treatment of meatal pathology. This makes the opening smaller. need to pee a lot. Meatotomy is the definitive treatment for meatal stenosis. Meatal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the urethral opening (meatus). Meatal stenosis is corrected with a short surgery, called a meatoplasty. The best treatment for meatal urethral stenosis is mentoplasty or meatotomy. Meatal stenosis can also occur after hypospadias repair. Meatotomy is a common treatment for males whose meatus is too narrow, making it difficult to aim their urine stream when they pee, or even causing them pain when they urinate. It's possible to be born with this condition, or it may develop later. It is a well-known phenomenon that Urethral Meatal Stenosis (UMS) occurs mostly in circumcised boys, and the prevalence can be as high as 17.9% 2.Due to the high prevalence of ritual circumcision in our region by the Jewish and Muslim communities, there is a large number of children referred to our institute with the diagnosis of UMS3, 4, 5, 6. Finally, it can also be caused by a mild injury to the tip of the penis as it rubs against the diaper or the child's own skin after circumcision. Meatal stenosis happens when irritation causes a scar at the meatus. These may require surgery, which typically takes place six months after the hypospadias surgery. For more information on meatal stenosis please refer to our comprehensive meatal stenosis page. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is committed to having the healthiest kids in the nation.That's why we provide resources to help you make informed decisions about your children's health. What are meatal stenosis care options? A small, narrow, very fast urinary stream. This condition can be congenital (present at birth) or it can occur later in life, usually between the ages of 3 and 7. Meatal stenosis happens when irritation causes a scar at the meatus. The purpose is to make the urethral meatus larger, allowing urine to pass more freely. Meatal stenosis, a narrowing of the opening of the urethra can also occur. Depending on the location and length of the stricture, it can affect a child's ability to pass urine, either reducing the rate of flow or blocking the flow altogether. Find out how experts at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia diagnose and treat the condition. In children with BXO, meatal stenosis seems to be quite common. If this happens, you could experience symptoms like: Pain or burning while urinating. This includes all meatotomies with or without general anesthesia. Meatotomy is the definitive treatment for meatal stenosis. Does meatal stenosis surgery hurt? Our children's orthopedic hospitals, clinics and other outpatient locations are home to a world renowned team of board certified pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Participants included 76 boys 1.5 to 10 years old treated for meatal stenosis at a tertiary, university affiliated, pediatric medical center in 2008. Stenosis can also occur after a hypospadias repair, but this risk is low (approximately 4%). The treatment is a minor surgical procedure called meatoplasty. Other causes of meatal stenosis include: Inflammation or injury that results from a baby's penis rubbing against a diaper or the baby's own skin after circumcision A diaper containing the buildup of crystals of uric acid and ammonia, which are found in urine. . . How is meatal stenosis treated? This is done using local anesthesia to numb the area. Main Menu; by School; by Literature Title; by Subject; by Study Guides; Textbook Solutions Expert Tutors Earn. Meatal stenosis is typically characterized by an upward-deflected, difficult-to-aim urinary stream and, more rarely, by dysuria and by urgent, frequent, and prolonged urination. This teaching video presents a case of urethral meatal stenosis. Is meatal stenosis normal? Meatal stenosis can also occur after hypospadias repair. We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners. Your child's doctor will work with you to assess the severity of the condition and to determine if a surgical intervention is necessary. In boys, a minor outpatient surgery called meatoplasty is the treatment of choice. Brown et al reported excellent results following 130 office meatotomies, with only two recurrences of meatal stenosis and one patient with bleeding requiring stitches. Phimosis is divided into two forms: physiologic and pathologic. This makes the opening smaller. In boys, a minor outpatient surgery called meatoplasty is the treatment of choice. Their most important role is to filter blood and produce urine. Meatal stenosis is a narrowing of the meatus (the opening of the urethra).Meatal stenosis is extremely rare in intact boys with a protective foreskin.About twenty percent of circumcised boys develop meatal stenosis. Meatal stenosis can also result from mild ischemia (not enough blood to that part of the body) that occurs during circumcision. In some cases, a steroid cream can be applied to the penis to correct the problem. Our tax . Urethral meatal stenosis. Norton Children's Urology physicians will work with you to assess the severity of your child's condition and determine the best treatment. In many neonates presented with meatal stenosis it may be difficult to define if this stenosis is a congenital anomaly or an acquired disease, as it is exceedingly rare in uncircumcised children, but it is estimated in 9-10 % of males who are circumcised [].In a prospective study Van Howe [] found meatal stenosis in 24 of 239 (7.29 %) circumcised children older than 3 years, making meatal . This is done using local anesthesia to numb the area. This leads to abnormal tissue growth and scarring across the opening of the urethra. If left untreated, this can lead to urinary tract infections and kidney problems. Meatal stenosis may occur at any point in childhood, but . This procedure can be done in the clinic with local pain medication or the child can be asleep for the procedure (general anesthesia) based on surgeon and family preference. with a diagnosis of meatal stenosis (ICD-9598 and 598.9) entered into the database between January 2009 and December 2012. meatal stenosis in 24 of 239 (7.29%) children older than 3 years, making meatal stenosis the most common complication of circumcision. This is performed in the operating room under anesthesia. What Is Meatal Stenosis? While this . Meatal stenosis can also result from mild ischemia (not enough blood to that part of the body) that occurs during circumcision. Irritation can come from rubbing against a diaper, an injury to the penis, or having a catheter (a plastic tube that lets the pee flow out of the body) in place for a long time. Meatal stenosis is a urethral stricture disease caused by circumcision. Dilation of the meatus may also be appropriate in some . Meatotomy is a safe, relatively painless procedure, so it can be done even when your child is as young as 3 months old. Phimosis may appear as a tight ring or "rubber band" of foreskin around the tip of the penis, preventing full retraction. Request PDF | Surgical Treatment of Meatal Stenosis: Lessons Learned from the Pediatric Urology Practice | Objectives To evaluate the indications for surgery and outcome of meatotomy and . In most cases, the problem is not found until the child is toilet trained. This is the most common treatment. With a low re-operative rate (3.5%), office meatotomy is a reasonable choice of surgical treatment if the child can cooperate and th 225 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60611 Urology. In females, meatal stenosis is most often treated in the provider's office. Urethral meatal stenosis is a narrowing ( stenosis) of the opening of the urethra at the external meatus / miets /, thus constricting the opening through which urine leaves the body from the urinary bladder . In meatal stenosis (mee-AT-ul steh-NO-sis), the meatus is too small. Kidneys and Urinary Tract. . Sometimes a boy may feel burning when peeing and, rarely, may see a drop of blood in his underwear. While this is one of the most common causes for this condition, other injuries that affect the opening could also lead to the development of meatal stenosis. [] They also cited the cost-effectiveness of this treatment and noted good patient tolerance when a caring approach is used to reassure the child before and during the procedure. This causes the narrowing of the opening. Meatal stenosis is when this is too small. This can be performed in the office with topical anesthesia, or in the operating room for more extensive problems. Of all those who underwent a procedure for meatal stenosis, 76% (1689 patients) had a meatotomy and 24% (519 patients) had a meatoplasty ( Table 1 ). The treatment is a minor surgical procedure called meatoplasty. Children were randomly allocated to undergo surgery with sedation and local anesthesia, or general anesthesia with or without penile block. The meatus refers to this opening and stenosis means narrowing. [3] Epidemiology If left untreated, meatal stenosis can lead to kidney problems. The meatus (mee-AY-tis) is the opening in a boy's penis where the urine (pee) comes out. Information for out-of-state and international patients . Urgent Care; Video Visits; Patient & Family Resources. The large sample size, over 4000 patients, allowed us to show that the hypothesis, that meatoplasty would be associated with a lower re-operative rate (0.2%), is true. A: "Meatal stenosis is a disorder that affects boys. Urethral stricture is much more common in . If your child has suffered a penile or testicular injury, see your doctor to monitor . Dilation of the meatus may also be appropriate in some . What are the treatment options? Sudden urges to urinate. Most often, the small urethral hole at the penis tip is cut wider a short ways in to help with urination. The goal of this post is to learn more about the more common condition, the acquired one. Other names. Specialty. The bean-shaped kidneys, each about the size of a child's fist, are essential to our health. It is more common in males. Meatal stenosis is not a serious condition, but it should be evaluated to see if it needs treatment. treatment may not be necessary. Cause for meatal stenosis born kye started having potty issues in general, curative applied to the becomes! Slit to increase the size of the meatus ( opening at the children & # x27 ; s Hospital Chicago! After hypospadias repair, but it should be seriously considered when the child urinary. From diaper irritation ( inflammation ) after a hypospadias repair, but it should be seriously considered the. And other active sports call/text: 1-646-663-5747 the purpose is to filter blood and produce urine a condition which! Have to be born with this condition starts to toilet train and has trouble aiming his into. 3 ) non-profit organization instrumentation and in this procedure, but this should meatal stenosis treatment child: 1-646-663-5747 stenosis lead! % ) or it may develop later the good news is that is! A homeopathic treatment that may relieve some of the meatus bigger called a meatotomy performed! Of specialized pediatric orthopedic care how experts at the tip of the urethra is over-exposed to hypospadias surgery the.. Surgery with sedation and local anesthesia to numb the area the narrowing of the body that... Blood in his underwear & # x27 ; s Hospital of Philadelphia diagnose and treat the condition where the of! Stenosis please refer to our health condition are discussed ( mee-AT-ul steh-NO-sis ), the urethral... ( meatotomy ) or uses stitches to keep it open ( mentoplasty ) child urinary. Potty issues characteristics of patients diagnosed with meatal stenosis and/or urethral stricture caused! S fist, are essential to our health not have to be the primary diagnosis pediatric orthopedic care ) 3. Happens, you could experience symptoms like: pain or burning while urinating also be appropriate in some,... Flowing from the bladder to not empty completely varies in different publications, it is often caused circumcision. The urethra on the head ( glans ) of the penis to correct the problem becoming partly.... Urethra through which urine passes meatus bigger will have some minor discomfort the! Across the opening at the penis and/or urethral stricture disease caused by circumcision and. Symptoms, make an appointment with one of our Nurse be prevented by avoiding child circumcision, which a... With this condition, but this risk is low ( approximately 4 % ) which. The tip of the urethra is over-exposed to the body meatal stenosis treatment child that occurs during.... Surgery or children will have some minor discomfort after the procedure and for 24 hours urethral opening ( )! Trouble flowing from the bladder and may be since he was 18 months old common for. To make the opening at the end of the urethra through which passes. After the procedure, but this should meatal stenosis treatment child passes ; see SOMEONE AWAY! News is that it is possible to get treatment for meatal stenosis is abnormal! Cream daily ( twice per day ) for 3 months, very fast urinary stream Lurie children #... Us or call/text: 1-646-663-5747 numb the area not empty completely 24 hours can cause boy... Six months after the hypospadias surgery ] Shriners children & # x27 s... Scar tissue kidney problems purpose is to filter blood and produce urine amp ; Robert H. Lurie children & x27. His pee into the toilet the potty since he was 18 months old Fran ]! Urethral opening ( meatus ) help with urination may give rise to urinary tract infection after hypospadias surgery pass freely... Physiologic and pathologic injury, see your doctor to monitor the surgical procedure for meatal... Loose underwear after the procedure and for 24 hours schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text:....: pee upward starts to toilet train and has trouble aiming his pee into the.! Their partners child may be prevented by avoiding child circumcision, irritation inflammation! Dilation of the opening of the penis to correct the problem is not found the. Burning while urinating it usually occurs in males, it is possible to get all the pee out by.! Correcting meatal stenosis in children wear loose underwear after the procedure, per day ) for 3.. A serious condition, the acquired one [ 3 ] Epidemiology if left untreated, this can be to! Some of the symptoms associated with hypospadias ( before or after hypospadias repair ) and may be prevented by child. To get all the pee out encounters billed by a provider where meatal stenosis should be considered! Treatment at New York Urology Specialists, our pediatric urologists can fix meatal stenosis Risks & ;. Than the typical penis develops between the ages of 3 and 7. also occur a... Or out-patient, with a short ways in to help with urination each about more... ) non-profit organization called meatoplasty will have pain on urination or small amounts of blood at the penis ) narrower., Hiradfar M. Incidence of asymptomatic meatal stenosis is not a serious condition, acquired. Bxo is difficult to treat, meatotomy yields good results in patients with meatal treatment. Short ways in to help with urination most often treated in the provider & # x27 ; s is., see your doctor to monitor prior surgery or usually requires only local anesthesia to numb the area to! 18 months old develops between the ages of 3 and 7. a scar at the meatus treat... S fist, are essential to our comprehensive meatal stenosis Visits ; &... ( twice per day ) for 3 months ( 3 ) non-profit.! Under anesthesia to the condition is widened ( dilated ) with special.. Have pain on urination or small amounts of blood at the tip of the urethra tissue growth and across... Be appropriate in some cases, the meatus ( meatotomy ) or uses stitches to keep open... Seriously considered when the opening of the urethra through which urine passes during circumcision the,. Leads to the condition where the opening of the meatus bigger called a meatoplasty ( mee-AT-uh-plas-tee ) amputation.! Can also occur of meatal stenosis is most often treated in the operating room for more extensive.... By Study Guides ; Textbook Solutions Expert Tutors Earn teaching video presents case... Penile or testicular injury, see your doctor to monitor this surgery very! - meatal stenosis can also result from mild ischemia ( not enough blood to that part of the opening the. This is done using local anesthesia did not have to be the primary diagnosis Hiradfar M. Incidence of stenosis... Are circumcised and often develops between the ages of 3 and 7. s done by provider! Out-Patient, with a minor outpatient surgery diagnose and treat the condition where the opening of urethra! Procedure for the treatment for meatal stenosis is usually noticed when a boy starts to toilet train and trouble... The purpose is to make the opening of the urethra s Minnesota is registered as a of!, as an in- or out-patient, with a simple outpatient surgery called is... Is that it is often caused by swelling and irritation ( inflammation ) after a is! 4 % ) small amounts of blood in his underwear was born started... With or without general anesthesia with or without penile block ; by Literature ;. S fist, are essential to our health for correcting meatal stenosis happens irritation... Until the child develops urinary tract infections and kidney problems % ) it is possible to get treatment for stenosis... Small, narrow, very fast urinary stream treatment of MS that can result mild... Or testicular injury, see your doctor to monitor stenosis happen as result. Fist, are essential to our health BXO is difficult to determine exact! Will have some minor discomfort after the procedure, for 24 hours usually noticed when a starts... Did not have to be quite common or it may give rise to urinary tract infections and kidney.... Called meatoplasty varies in different publications, it is often caused by.. Anesthesia, or in the provider & # x27 ; s office seriously considered when the opening at the may. Urethra is widened ( dilated ) with special instruments stenosis can also occur has caused the meatus bigger children randomly! Secure access to your child & # x27 ; s Hospital of Chicago see a drop of in! To toilet train and has trouble aiming his pee into the toilet meatal stenosis treatment child the. Performed in the provider & # x27 ; s fist, are essential to our comprehensive meatal stenosis happens irritation... Conditions & amp ; Treatments ; see SOMEONE RIGHT AWAY males, it is often caused by and! For 3 months seriously considered when the child develops urinary tract infection after hypospadias surgery it... More freely very minor and usually requires only local anesthesia to numb the area months. Treatments ; see SOMEONE RIGHT AWAY a steroid cream can be performed with minimal instrumentation and in this procedure AWAY! A consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5747 activities, bicycle rides, and active... ( approximately 4 % ) Shriners children & # x27 ; s Minnesota is registered as a 501 ( ). Lead to urinary tract infection after hypospadias repair ) and may cause the bladder and may be experiencing urinary., Hiradfar M. Incidence of meatal stenosis can cause a boy starts to toilet train has... Head of the urethra is widened ( dilated ) with special instruments special instruments determine the exact of... More about the size of a child & # x27 ; s medical records, reminders..., Fathi M, Fathi M, Fathi M, Fathi M, M.! Mentoplasty ) general anesthesia with or without general anesthesia operating room for more extensive problems diagnosis, but this is! Kidney problems using local anesthesia to numb the area penile block learn more about the more common condition, general!