There are several reasons for urethral strictures that result in narrowing of the urinary passage with consequent discomfort. 

An injury, a catheter insertion, radiation, prostate surgery, scar tissue, or a tumor could cause the urethra to narrow down thereby obstructing flow of urine. 

This calls for a surgical procedure known as optical internal urethrotomy to remedy the situation. Learn more about this procedure and why India is the best place to get it done. 

Symptoms associated with Optical Internal Urethrotomy surgery

There are typical symptoms that indicate urethral stricture, such as a frequent need to urinate, a weak or interrupted urine stream, urinary retention, pain or discomfort during urination, urinary tract infection, and difficulty in starting urination. 

Physicians will take such symptoms with seriousness and recommend a series of tests to arrive at a diagnosis and recommendation for the optical internal urethrotomy procedure. 

Diagnosis

The way forward is for the physician to carry out a thorough check using blood tests and urethrography, urethral ultrasound, and cystoscopy to visualize the urethra and determine the location and severity of the stricture. Based on this it is likely a surgical procedure will be recommended to remove or widen the stricture. 

Treatment through Symptoms associated with Optical Internal Urethrotomy surgery surgery

Optical internal urethrotomy is recommended for conditions that are not too severe and where the stricture is relatively short. 

• The patient is advised not to eat anything the night before the operation. The next day, the surgical team administers general anesthesia or local anesthesia.
• Following this the surgeon inserts a cystoscope with a tiny camera and light source into the urethra. 
• A urethrotome, a specialized cutting tool, is inserted into the cystoscope and is used to incise the scar tissue of the structure leading to widening of the urethra. 
• This procedure can be completed within an hour on an outpatient basis and the patient can return home for rest and recovery. 
• Patients are given medication to manage the pain and are recommended a warm sitz baths, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest. 

Success rate in Symptoms associated with Optical Internal Urethrotomy surgery

In general, the success rate is high since optical internal urethrotomy is done after careful evaluation of the site situation and the patient’s suitability. 

Success rate is also linked to the severity of the stricture and the surgeon’s skill, as well as underlying conditions. 

One may say that statistically, success rate ranges between 30% and 70% where cases are not complicated. 

Risks in Optical Internal Urethrotomy surgery

There are only a few minor risks such as internal bleeding in the urethra, urinary incontinence and injury to surrounding tissues and the bladder. It is also likely that the stricture will recur after some time calling for a repeat procedure. 

Why India is the best option for optical internal urethrotomy

India is the best destination for optical internal urethrotomy for a number of reasons: 

• Costs are the lowest, even after factoring in travel and accommodation costs. 
• India has the best surgeons and support healthcare professionals for world class treatments. 
• India has thousands of excellent private hospitals where this procedure is done quickly and efficiently. 
• This procedure requires skill and sensitivity, features that Indian surgeons possess. 

This is a minimal invasive surgery, with patients being able to return from the procedure after an hour. This leaves you plenty of time to take in the sights and enjoy the Indian experience.