Optilume for Urethral Strictures
A minimally invasive solution for recurrent urethral strictures
Infections, inflammation, prior surgeries, or trauma can cause scarring in the urethra, leading to narrowing and restricted urine flow. Even after treatment, strictures often recur or persist.
Optilume is a drug-coated balloon (DCB) therapy that combines mechanical dilation with localized delivery of paclitaxel – a medication that helps prevent scar tissue from reforming. The balloon gently expands the strictured area, while the drug works to maintain long-term patency and reduce recurrence.
This quick, outpatient procedure offers lasting symptom relief without incisions, implants, or repeat surgery.
What Is Urethral Stricture Disease?
Urethral stricture disease happens when scarring causes a narrowing in the urethra – the tube that carries urine out of the body. This narrowing blocks or restricts urine flow, making it difficult or painful to urinate, can cause spraying of the urine and in some cases, can prevent urination altogether. If left untreated, strictures can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder dysfunction, or even kidney damage.
Anterior vs. Posterior Strictures
There are two main types of urethral strictures, depending on where the narrowing occurs:
- Posterior strictures affect the first few inches of the urethra, closer to the bladder. These are often caused by serious injuries, such as pelvic fractures, that may have resulted in a complete disruption of urine flow. They typically require more complex surgical intervention.
- Anterior strictures occur farther along the urethra, toward the tip of the penis. These are more common and are often caused by catheter use, inflammation, or trauma (like straddle injuries). Optilume is designed specifically to treat recurrent anterior urethral strictures in a minimally invasive way.
Optilume for Urethral Strictures
Optilume is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment designed specifically for recurrent anterior urethral strictures.
It combines gentle mechanical dilation of the scarred or narrow segment, with localized delivery of paclitaxel, a drug that helps prevent scar tissue from reforming. The treatment is delivered via a drug-coated balloon (DCB), which is inserted into the urethra and then inflated to widen the narrowed area while simultaneously delivering medication to reduce the risk of recurrence.
How It’s Different
Unlike traditional treatments such as:
- Dilation, which often requires repeat procedures,
- Urethrotomy, which involves cutting the stricture and carries a high rate of recurrence, or
- Urethroplasty, which is a more invasive surgical reconstruction,
Optilume is a single-session, non-surgical option that can offer long-term symptom relief with significantly lower recurrence rates. The use of paclitaxel helps maintain the urethral opening after the mechanical dilation, which sets it apart from treatments that only treat the narrowing without addressing the underlying scar formation.
Canada’s First Optilume Provider
UIC was the first clinic in Canada to offer Optilume for urethral strictures, making us the most experienced center in the country for this treatment.
Optilume Success Rate
After one year, 3 out of 4 patients who received the Optilume DCB treatment were stricture-free. These men, who had failed prior traditional endoscopic treatments, experienced a 290% improvement in urinary flow, a 75% reduction in symptoms and suffered zero serious complications.¹
¹ One-Year Safety and Efficacy Outcomes on a Novel Drug Coated Balloon (DCB) for Urethral Stricture Disease – The ROBUST I Study G. H. Jordan, R. Virasoro, J. DeLong, R. Estrella, M. Pichardo, R. R. Lay, G. Espino, G. Webster, S. Elliot.
The Process
1. Consultation & Diagnosis
We begin with a thorough review of your symptoms, medical history, and prior treatments. Diagnostic imaging or tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and ensure that Optilume is the right option for you.
2. The Procedure
The treatment is performed under local or regional anesthesia, and typically takes just minutes. A drug-coated balloon catheter is inserted into the urethra and gently inflated. The balloon dilates the narrowed segment and delivers paclitaxel—a medication that helps reduce scarring and prevent recurrence.
3. Recovery & Follow-Up
Patients are discharged the same day and can typically return to normal activities within a few days. You’ll be scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure lasting results.
Optilume is intended for men with recurrent anterior urethral strictures – narrowing in the front portion of the urethra. It’s especially suitable for patients who have already undergone dilation or urethrotomy but experienced a recurrence.
Optilume is not recommended for patients with posterior urethral strictures (closer to the bladder), complete blockages, or urethral cancer. Your urologist will assess your imaging and history to determine if this treatment is appropriate.
The procedure takes just a few minutes. You’ll be monitored briefly afterward and discharged the same day.
Optilume is well-tolerated. Most patients receive local, regional, or light sedation anaesthesia. You may feel some pressure, but not pain during the procedure.
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. You may have mild discomfort or urinary symptoms that resolve shortly. A catheter is typically used for a short time to support healing.
Yes, most patients go home with a catheter for several days. Your doctor will let you know when it can be removed.
Clinical studies show symptom relief lasting at least 3 years for many patients, with fewer recurrences compared to traditional dilation alone.
Unlike dilation or urethrotomy – which simply widen the stricture – Optilume delivers medication (paclitaxel) to reduce inflammation and prevent scar tissue from reforming. This offers a longer-lasting result in many cases.
Yes. If a stricture returns, Optilume can be safely repeated or followed by another treatment option, if needed.
Most advanced procedures at UIC, including Optilume, are not covered by OHIP or private insurance plans.
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