🔍 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.


Patient Feedback
Read what our satisfied patients say about Dr. Yasir Iqbal Lone.
Dr. Lone provided exceptional care during my surgery. Highly recommend his services!
John Smith
New Delhi
I am thoroughly impressed with Dr. Lone's expertise and caring nature. His staff is friendly, and I felt well taken care of throughout my treatment journey.
Emily Clark
Delhi NCR