Urethral Stricture Treatment in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. A urethral stricture, a narrowing of the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, can significantly impact a man’s quality of life, causing discomfort and urinary difficulties. At Emirates Hospitals Group, we understand the challenges associated with this condition, and we are here to help. With the best urologists in Dubai, our dedicated team offers comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and advanced treatment for urethral strictures, including the innovative Optilume stricture treatment. Our advanced facilities and compassionate approach ensure that you receive the best possible care and support on your journey to improved urinary health.
About Urethral Stricture
A urethral stricture is a scar-induced narrowing of the urethra, the tube that allows urine to exit the body. This narrowing obstructs the flow of urine, leading to a variety of bothersome symptoms. While it can affect anyone, it is more common in men. The severity and location of the stricture can vary, impacting daily activities and overall well-being.
Causes and Symptoms
At Emirates Hospitals Group, we understand the impact this condition can have on your quality of life, and we are here to help. Urethral strictures can result from a variety of causes, often involving injury, infection, or inflammation. Common causes include:
- Trauma or Injury: Direct injury to the urethra or perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus), often from falls, accidents, or medical procedures.
- Infection: Past infections of the urethra, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can lead to scar tissue formation.
- Inflammation: Conditions that cause chronic inflammation within the urethra.
- Previous Urological Procedures: Instrumentation or surgery involving the urethra can sometimes lead to stricture formation as a complication.
- Congenital: Some individuals are born with a narrower urethra, making them more susceptible to strictures.
Symptoms of a urethral stricture vary depending on the degree and location of the narrowing, including:
- Weak or Decreased Urine Stream: The most common symptom, where the force of urination is reduced.
- Difficulty or Pain During Urination: Straining to urinate, or experiencing discomfort or burning.
- Frequent Urge to Urinate: Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual.
- Incomplete Bladder Emptying: Feeling like the bladder isn’t fully empty after urinating.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Recurrent UTIs due to stagnant urine.
- Spraying or Dribbling: Urine stream splitting or leaking after urination.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): Though less common, can occur.
Treatment for Urethral Stricture
At Emirates Hospitals Group, we provide a range of treatment options for urethral strictures, tailored to the specific characteristics and severity of the stricture. Our goal is to restore normal urine flow and alleviate your symptoms.
Introducing Optilume Stricture Treatment
We are proud to offer Optilume drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment, a significant advancement in the minimally invasive management of urethral strictures. Optilume combines mechanical dilation with targeted drug delivery to prevent stricture recurrence.
How Optilume Works:
- A specialized balloon catheter is carefully guided to the site of the stricture within the urethra.
- The balloon is inflated, gently widening the narrowed segment of the urethra.
- As the balloon expands, it simultaneously delivers a therapeutic dose of an anti-proliferative drug (paclitaxel) directly to the stricture tissue. This drug is designed to inhibit the formation of new scar tissue, which is a primary reason for stricture recurrence after traditional dilation.
Benefits of Optilume:
- Minimally Invasive: Less invasive than open surgical procedures, often resulting in quicker recovery times.
- Targeted Drug Delivery: Delivers medication precisely where it’s needed, maximizing effectiveness and minimizing systemic exposure.
- Reduced Recurrence Rates: Clinical studies have shown promising results in preventing the return of strictures compared to traditional balloon dilation alone.
- Improved Long-Term Patency: Aims for more durable and lasting relief from stricture symptoms.
Other Treatment Options
In addition to Optilume, our experienced urologists also offer other effective treatments for urethral strictures, including:
- Urethral Dilation: A procedure to stretch the stricture using specialized dilators. This is often an initial, less invasive approach.
- Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU): An endoscopic procedure where a small incision is made in the stricture using a laser or cold knife.
- Urethroplasty: A surgical reconstruction of the urethra, often recommended for longer or more complex strictures, or those that have failed less invasive treatments. This involves excising the scarred segment or using tissue grafts to rebuild the urethra.
Our experienced urologists will conduct a thorough evaluation, including advanced imaging, to determine the best treatment plan based on the location, length, and severity of your stricture, as well as your overall health and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
While there isn’t one single cause that accounts for all cases, trauma or injury to the urethra (such as from medical procedures, accidents, or falls) and previous infections or inflammation of the urethra are among the most common causes of urethral strictures. Less frequently, strictures can be congenital (present from birth) or related to certain medical conditions
Yes, in many cases, urethral strictures can be effectively treated or “cured,” meaning the narrowing is permanently resolved, allowing for normal urine flow. The success of treatment depends on various factors, including the length, location, and severity of the stricture, as well as the chosen treatment method. Our goal at Emirates Hospitals Group is to provide a long-lasting solution that restores your urinary function and quality of life.
Optilume stricture treatment offers a significant advantage over traditional methods like simple balloon dilation. While traditional dilation physically widens the stricture, it doesn’t prevent the common problem of scar tissue reforming. Optilume combines the mechanical widening of a balloon with the targeted delivery of an anti-proliferative drug directly to the stricture site. This drug helps to inhibit the regrowth of scar tissue, potentially leading to more durable and long-lasting results, and reducing the need for repeat procedures compared to conventional dilation.
You should see a doctor if you experience any symptoms that suggest a urethral stricture, such as a weak or spraying urine stream, difficulty or pain during urination, a frequent urge to urinate, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, or recurrent urinary tract infections. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve your long-term outcome. Please do not hesitate to book an appointment with our expert urologists at Emirates Hospitals Group.
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