🔍 OIU Surgery (Optical Internal Urethrotomy)

OIU (Optical Internal Urethrotomy) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat urethral stricture — a condition where the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) becomes narrow due to scarring or inflammation, leading to difficulty in urination.

🚨 What is a Urethral Stricture?

A urethral stricture occurs when scar tissue builds up inside the urethra, restricting urine flow. It may be caused by:

• Injury or trauma to the urethra

• Infection (especially STIs or UTIs)

• Previous surgery or catheter use

• Inflammation

• Unknown reasons (idiopathic)

🏥 Why is OIU Performed?

OIU is recommended when:

• The stricture is short and accessible

• Symptoms such as weak urine stream, pain, dribbling, or incomplete emptying are present

• Other non-surgical treatments haven't worked

OIU offers a quick and effective solution to restore normal urine flow.

🔍 How is OIU Performed?

• The procedure is done under general or spinal anesthesia.

• A special instrument called a urethrotome with a tiny camera and blade is inserted into the urethra.

• The surgeon uses direct visual guidance to make a small incision in the scar tissue, widening the urethra.

• No external incision is made, making the procedure minimally invasive.

⏳ Duration and Hospital Stay

• OIU typically takes 20–30 minutes.

• It may be performed as a day-care procedure, or you might stay overnight.

• A urinary catheter is placed for a few days to keep the urethra open during healing.

✅ Benefits of OIU

• Quick procedure with minimal discomfort

• Faster recovery compared to open surgery

• No external scars

• Improves urine flow and relieves symptoms

🧪 Recovery After OIU

• The catheter is usually removed after 2–5 days.

• Mild burning or blood in the urine is common for a few days.

• Avoid strenuous activity or sexual activity for 1–2 weeks.

• Drink plenty of fluids to keep urine flowing freely.

⚠️ Risks or Limitations

• Stricture recurrence is possible (especially in long or multiple strictures)

• Minor bleeding or infection

• Rare risk of urinary incontinence or erectile issues

• Some patients may need a repeat procedure or urethroplasty for longer or recurring strictures

🧠 Summary

OIU is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method for treating short urethral strictures. It restores normal urinary flow and significantly improves quality of life, especially when strictures are detected and treated early.