OPD-Journey

Visual Internal Urethrotomy (VIU) is a simple surgical procedure used for the treatment of urethral stricture (an abnormal narrowing of the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis, in males). The procedure helps to widen the urethral passage and improve the flow of urine. The narrowing of the urethra (tube) can occur due to scar tissue formation following inflammation, infection or injury in the tissue. Urethral stricture leads to slow flow of urine and can also cause infection, bleeding and pain during urination.

• How is the procedure performed?

  An optical urethrotomy is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. Your surgeon inserts an urethrotome (an endoscopic device with a tube, camera and a light) into the urethra and advances it to the stricture to view the narrowed region. A surgical blade is used to cut through the urethral stricture and advance the urethrotome further into the urinary bladder. A urinary drainage catheter is placed for a few days (occasionally up to 14 days) to facilitate healing of the urethra. The complete surgical procedure takes less than 30 minutes. You may be discharged from the hospital on the same day of surgery or you may have to stay overnight. You can resume your daily activities within in a short period of time.

• What risks or complications are associated with the procedure?

  VIU may be associated with certain risks which include:

  • Post-operative bleeding
  • Infection
  • Pain
  • Swollen penis
  • Retention of urine