Optical internal urethrotomy:

Optical internal urethrotomy is a surgical procedure, which involves telescopic inspection of the urethra and bladder. The stricture is cut using a visual knife or laser fibre.

The success rate of optical internal urethrotomy has shown a poor range from 6 to 28 percent, depending on recent studies with longer follow-up. Stricture lengths, degree of luminal narrowing and repeated urethrotomies were found.

The indication of optical internal urethrotomy includes the narrowing of the urethra, usually as a result of previous surgery causing scar tissue or an infection.

The procedure will start with giving you a general or spinal anaesthesia to minimize the pain. After that, your surgeon will pass a telescope into the penis through the urethra and any narrowing due to stricture is cut by using a special internal knife or a laser probe. Optical internal urethrotomy is an internal procedure, but there are no incisions or stitches used.

You will require insertion of a catheter into the bladder for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. The complete recovery will take about 2 weeks.

Some complications of optical internal urethrotomy are urinary tract infection, wound infection, urethrocutaneous fistula and recurrence of stricture.