Optilume &
Urethral Stricture Disease
If you're experiencing difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or a weak urine stream, you might have a urethral stricture. Let's explore what urethral stricture disease is and how Optilume can help.
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What is Urethral Stricture Disease?
Urethral stricture disease occurs when the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, becomes narrow or blocked with scar tissue. This narrowing makes it difficult for urine to pass through, causing various urinary symptoms.
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Symptoms of Urethral Stricture
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Symptoms of urethral stricture can include:
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Difficulty Urinating: Straining or pain when trying to urinate.
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Weak Urine Stream: Urine flows slowly or in a thin stream.
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Incomplete Emptying: Feeling like you haven't emptied your bladder completely.
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Recurrent UTIs may occur due to incomplete bladder emptying.
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Urinary Retention: In severe cases, you may be unable to urinate at all.
Optilume as a Treatment Option
Optilume is a minimally invasive treatment for urethral strictures that uses a specialized durg coated balloon catheter to widen the narrowed portion of the urethra.
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How Does Optilume Work?
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Balloon Catheter Insertion:
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The urologist inserts a deflated balloon catheter into the narrowed part of the urethra using a cystoscope (a thin tube with a camera).
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Balloon Inflation:
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Once the balloon catheter is in place, the drug coated balloon is inflated to widen the stricture and deposit the drug into the tissue around the scar.
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Balloon Removal:
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After a few minutes, the balloon is deflated and removed. A urinary catheter (foley) is placed and patients are discharged home the same day.
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Benefits of Optilume
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Minimally Invasive: Optilume is performed without any incisions, reducing the risk of complications and promoting quicker recovery.
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Improved Urine Flow: By widening the urethral stricture, Optilume helps restore normal urine flow, relieving urinary symptoms.
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Preservation of Urethral Tissue: Optilume gently expands the narrowed area without damaging surrounding tissue, preserving the natural structure of the urethra.
What to Expect During Optilume Treatment
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Preparation:
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Before the procedure, you may need to undergo some tests to evaluate the severity and location of the urethral stricture.
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Optilume Procedure:
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Optilume treatment is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
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Recovery:
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After Optilume treatment, you’ll have a foley catheter for a few days. After that you may experience some mild discomfort or irritation in the urethra, but this usually resolves quickly. Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
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Conclusion
If you're struggling with symptoms of urethral stricture disease, Optilume may offer a minimally invasive solution to improve your urinary health and quality of life. Schedule a consultation today to discuss whether Optilume is the right treatment option for you. We're here to help you find relief from urethral stricture symptoms and regain control of your bladder function.