Are you looking for an alternative to treating a recurrent urethral stricture?
The current common practice of endoscopic treatment of urethral stricture is often not permanently effective. This can lead to multiple repeat procedures with diminishing results.
Optilume® is an effective alternative to traditional endoscopic stricture treatments and offers minimally invasive, immediate relief. Optilume® works by inhibiting the growth of new scar tissue that often recurs after dilation or internal urethrotomy.
All in a simple, outpatient procedure.
Our expert on the subject of Optilume
This minimally invasive treatment method offers long-lasting results and has been proven to end the suffering of affected patients with frequent urethral slits, self-dilatation and concomitant diseases with just one procedure, in just 15 minutes.
Optilume™ as a new therapeutic procedure for urethral strictures
Optilume® is a small, cylindrical, drug-coated balloon designed to simultaneously open the urethra and slow or stop the appearance of new scar tissue.
In this innovative procedure, a drug-coated balloon catheter is inserted into the urethra and positioned in the constriction. The constriction is then widened by unfolding the balloon. A chemotherapeutic agent is released into the scar tissue surrounding the balloon. The chemotherapeutic agent released counteracts excessive new scarring.
For several years, similar balloons have successfully prevented re-treatment after coronary artery surgery
Gentle procedure
No effects on the erection
Proven results
To date, around 1000 patients have been treated with Optilume in German-speaking countries. User experience confirms the scientific data. After initial use of Optilume, >90% of patients treated have remained stricture-free after 6-28 months, despite several recurrences after previous urethrotomy. The key here is the coating of the dilatation balloon with the established substance paclitaxel to inhibit renewed scarring of the treated stricture.
Paclitaxel, the active ingredient with which the balloon is coated, is a proven drug that inhibits tissue proliferation and has been used effectively in various applications in millions of patients worldwide since the early 1990s
Provide your doctor with a complete list of the medications you are taking and information about any allergies or intolerances to medications or materials that may be used in the treatment.
Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare for Optilume treatment, which may include adjusting your medication regimen and other specific measures.
Operation sequence
Optilume treatment can be performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis, if necessary under brief anesthesia. A balloon coated with paclitaxel is inserted into the urethra and placed at the constriction. Gentle inflation stretches the constriction, while paclitaxel prevents scarring. The entire treatment only takes about half an hour, including preparation and follow-up.
Under endoscopic visual control, a catheter is inserted into your urethra towards the bladder using a fine guide wire. At the end of the catheter is a balloon coated with the active ingredient paclitaxel. The balloon is placed in such a way that the drug coating overlaps the entire stricture.
Step 2
Expansion of the balloon
After placement, the balloon is filled with a saline solution within approx. 30 seconds until it reaches its maximum expansion at 10-12 bar. The stretching of the constricted area of the urethra creates tiny tears in the scar tissue, which can now absorb the medication from the surface of the balloon. The balloon remains in the same position for 5-10 minutes.
Step 3
Release of the drug
Paclitaxel, the active ingredient with which the balloon is coated, is a proven drug that inhibits tissue proliferation and has been used effectively in various applications for millions of patients worldwide since the early 1990s. This drug is now delivered by the balloon.
Step 4
Removal of the catheter
Once the medication has been administered, the balloon is deflated and removed from the urethra together with the catheter. Optilume is performed on an outpatient basis and provides immediate rupture of the stricture and lasting relief, as paclitaxel limits scarring, which leads to recurrence. After the procedure, an indwelling catheter may be placed for up to 48 hours.
Virtual reality to relax
We have recently started offering the VR goggles for our patients. The VR goggles are a unique virtual reality concept to calm, relax, distract, reduce anxiety and pain, and create a positive mood for patients and staff. Based on scientific research and numerous scientific partnerships.
After the procedure
The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis or during an inpatient stay. In the case of an outpatient procedure, make sure that you can be picked up by an adult, as you are not allowed to drive a vehicle or carry out any dangerous activities for 24 hours after the operation.
To prevent infection, please refrain from any sexual activity (including masturbation) for 14 days after the procedure, and only use a condom for at least 2 weeks after 14 days.
If you experience any discomfort in connection with the procedure (bleeding, increasing pain, rise in temperature), you should inform your doctor immediately.
Member of the Swiss Society of Urology Member of the Quality Register of the Swiss Society of Urology Certified cooperation partner of the German Cancer Society Certified medical advice center of the German Continence Society
