Optilume Balloon Dilatation Treatment for Urethral Strictures
Optilume balloon dilatation is a minimally invasive treatment for urethral strictures. It combines balloon dilatation with a drug-coated technology to open the narrowing and help reduce the chance of it returning.
What is Optilume balloon dilatation?
Optilume balloon dilatation is an advanced treatment used to treat anterior urethral strictures. A urethral stricture happens when scar tissue forms inside the urethra, causing it to narrow. This can make it difficult to pass urine and may lead to discomfort, infections, or problems emptying the bladder.
The Optilume device combines 2 treatments in 1 procedure:
mechanical balloon dilatation to widen the narrowed area
a coating of paclitaxel medication to help reduce the likelihood of scar tissue reforming
Paclitaxel is a drug that helps slow down the regrowth of scar tissue cells. By combining this medication with balloon dilatation, the treatment aims to improve urine flow while reducing the risk of the stricture coming back.
Optilume is usually recommended for men with recurrent urethral strictures who have previously had treatments such as urethral dilatation or urethrotomy, but whose symptoms have returned.
At Welbeck, our consultant urologists offer expert assessment and personalised care for patients with urethral strictures, helping to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life with advanced treatment options.
More information
Before your procedure, you’ll attend a consultation with one of our consultant urologists. They’ll review your symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatments you’ve had for urethral strictures. Tests such as cystoscopy, uroflowmetry, or imaging scans may also be performed to assess the location and length of the stricture.
The procedure itself is usually performed as a day-case treatment under either general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic. Most procedures take around 30 to 60 minutes.
During the procedure:
A thin tube with a camera at the end called a cystoscope is passed into the urethra to locate the stricture.
A guidewire is inserted through the narrowed section.
The Optilume balloon catheter is carefully positioned within the stricture.
The balloon is inflated for a short period to stretch and widen the narrowed area.
The paclitaxel coating is delivered directly into the tissue during inflation.
The balloon is removed once the treatment is complete.
At the end of the procedure, a temporary urinary catheter is usually inserted to allow the urethra to heal. This is commonly removed after a few days, depending on your consultant’s advice.
Most patients return home on the same day following a short period of monitoring.
Optilume balloon dilatation is considered to be a safe and minimally invasive procedure. However, as with any treatment, there are some potential risks and side effects.
Possible risks include:
mild bleeding from the urethra
discomfort or burning when passing urine
urinary tract infection
temporary blood in the urine or semen
pelvic discomfort or swelling
difficulty passing urine after catheter removal
recurrence of the urethral stricture over time
temporary urinary urgency or frequency
Serious complications are uncommon. Your consultant will explain all potential risks and answer any questions before your procedure.
Your consultant will provide detailed instructions before your treatment to help you prepare safely.
You may need to:
stop certain medications temporarily, such as blood thinners
fast for several hours before the procedure if you’re having a general anaesthetic
arrange for someone to take you home afterwards
provide a urine sample before treatment to check for infection
It’s important to tell your consultant about any medications you take, allergies you have, or if you’ve recently had symptoms of a urinary infection.
Most people recover quickly following Optilume balloon dilatation and can return home on the same day.
You may experience some mild discomfort, burning, or small amounts of blood in your urine for several days afterwards. This is common and usually settles without treatment. Drinking plenty of water can help flush the urinary system and reduce irritation.
If you go home with a catheter, your consultant or specialist nurse will explain how to care for it and when it will be removed.
During recovery, your consultant may advise you to:
avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for around 1 week
avoid sexual activity for approximately 2 weeks
drink plenty of fluids
take prescribed antibiotics or pain relief if recommended
Most patients can return to desk-based work within a few days, depending on how they feel.
Follow-up appointments are important after treatment. Your consultant may arrange repeat urine flow tests, symptom assessments, or cystoscopy to monitor your recovery and check how well the urethra is healing.
You should contact your consultant if you develop:
a fever or chills
worsening pain
heavy bleeding
inability to pass urine
signs of infection
Please contact the centre for pricing and payment information.
At Welbeck, our urology specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book Optilume balloon dilatation, you must be referred by either your GP or a urology specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a urology specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Clinical studies have shown that Optilume can improve urinary symptoms and urine flow in many patients with recurrent urethral strictures. Research also suggests that it may lower the chance of the stricture returning compared with standard balloon dilatation alone. However, outcomes can vary depending on the length and severity of the stricture.
The procedure itself is not painful because anaesthetic is used. Afterwards, some people experience mild burning, discomfort, or urinary irritation for a few days, but this is usually manageable with simple pain relief and fluids.
Yes, there’s still a possibility that a urethral stricture can return over time. However, Optilume was developed to reduce recurrence rates by delivering medication directly into the scar tissue during treatment. Your consultant will continue to monitor you after the procedure.
Optilume is generally suitable for adults with recurrent anterior urethral strictures, particularly those who have already had procedures such as urethral dilatation or urethrotomy. Your consultant will assess your individual condition and discuss whether this treatment is appropriate for you.