Optical Internal Urethrotomy

Optical Internal Urethrotomy (OIU) is a procedure that is used to treat a condition known as urethral stricture in men. This is a medical condition, where the patient has difficulty with urination due to scarring/blockage of a passageway to the bladder. During the procedure, the patient is placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon will use surgical instruments to remove the excess tissue from the passageway.

This procedure will normalize the urine flow of the patient. It is a minimally invasive treatment, and the stricture is normalized with a laser. This procedure doesn’t involve any cuts or incisions.

Before the surgery, diagnostic tests are conducted to check the length and severity of the stricture.

• Measurement of urine discharge
• Urine test - for traces of bacteria or blood
• Cystoscopy
• Imaging tests like X-ray or ultrasound are done to clinically evaluate the stricture.

During the procedure- the doctor will insert a cystoscope into the urethra along with it some surgical instruments are inserted through the cystoscope into the urethra to remove the stricture or vaporize it with a laser.

Post-procedure you would be given instructions to monitor the signs of infections and proper care. The doctor will prescribe medication and antibiotics to prevent pain and infections.

The benefits of OIU are:

• Speedy recovery
• Minimal scarring
• Minimal risk of infections

• There could be a risk of infection in the urinary tract near the operated area.
• Wound dehiscence
• Recurrence of urethral stricture
• Excessive bleeding