Optical Urethrotomy Cost in Tel Aviv

To restore normal urine flow and alleviate urinary symptoms, urethral strictures are treated with optical urethrotomy, which involves cutting the stricture segment of the urethra.

You should see a doctor for optical urethrotomy if you have ongoing difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, or symptoms of a known urethral stricture that do not improve with medication.

Before optical urethrotomy, you are usually admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery and may undergo a pre-assessment to check your overall fitness. You will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for approximately 6 hours prior to the procedure. Just before surgery, the anaesthetist may give pre-medication to help you relax. It is important to inform your surgeon about any implanted medical devices, artificial valves or joints, use of blood-thinning medications, or any history of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Optical urethrotomy is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia, and antibiotics are administered prior to surgery to prevent infection. A telescope is passed through the urethra to locate the stricture, which is then cut internally using a special knife or laser without any external incisions or stitches. After the procedure, a urinary catheter is placed and typically maintained for 3 to 7 days to facilitate healing.

Optical urethrotomy is a short procedure and is often completed within about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the length and severity of the urethral stricture.

• Mild burning or bleeding during urination after the procedure
• Need for intermittent self-catheterisation
• Recurrence of urethral stricture requiring repeat treatment
• Bladder infection requiring antibiotics
• Delayed bleeding needing clot removal or further surgery
• Failure to open the structure, requiring temporary suprapubic catheterisation

Optical urethrotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that helps relieve urethral blockage and restore normal urine flow without any external cuts or stitches. It is a short procedure with a rapid recovery, typically requiring only a brief hospital stay. The treatment effectively reduces urinary symptoms, such as difficulty urinating and discomfort, allowing patients to return to daily activities sooner than with open surgery.

Postoperative recovery after optical urethrotomy is typically rapid and uncomplicated. Most patients are discharged the same day or after a short hospital stay, with a urinary catheter in place for a few days to facilitate healing. Mild burning during urination, slight bleeding, or discomfort may occur initially and usually settle within a short time. Normal daily activities can typically be resumed within a few days, but strenuous activity should be avoided until advised by the doctor. Regular follow-up visits are important for monitoring healing and early detection of any recurrence of urethral narrowing.

The initial success rate of optical urethrotomy is generally 60%-80%, depending on the length, location, and severity of the urethral stricture; some patients require repeat treatment over time.