Optilume
The Optilume Procedure is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment to significantly reduce recurrence of anterior urethral strictures.
Optilume: Find Long-Term Relief from Recurrent Strictures
The Optilume drug-coated balloon (DCB) procedure is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment which represents a major step forward in providing a proven path to long-term freedom from recurrence and the need for re-intervention for men with recurrent anterior urethral strictures.
This innovative treatment offered at The Urology Partnership, works by combining controlled dilation with targeted drug delivery to directly address the root cause of strictures: the aggressive formation of scar tissue.
How Optilume treats urethral strictures
A urethral stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the tube that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body. Strictures occur when scar tissue forms along the urethral lining, which restricts the flow of the urine.
The Optilume procedure addresses this by gently dilating the stricture using a drug-coated balloon, to widen the narrowed section. At the same time, Paclitaxel (an established anti-proliferative agent) is delivered directly to the affected area. Paclitaxel works by inhibiting the cell growth responsible for reforming scar tissue, effectively helping to keep the urethra open long after the procedure is complete.
This targeted, dual-action approach is key to achieving significantly reduced recurrence rates, restoring urinary confidence and quality of life.
Optilume Procedure
At The Urology Partnership we perform the Optilume procedure as an outpatient service, allowing you to return home the same day.
It’s typically performed under local anaesthetic to maximise your comfort, and the procedure itself only takes between 15 to 30 minutes.
This involves:
- Precise placement: The Optilume balloon, coated with paclitaxel, is carefully guided via a catheter to the exact point of the stricture.
- Controlled dilation: The balloon is gently inflated to widen the constricted area of the urethra.
- Targeted medication: The paclitaxel is released into the urethral wall during inflation (lasting up to 10 minutes), delivering the anti-scarring drug directly where it is needed most.
- Careful removal: The balloon is then deflated and the catheter is removed, typically without any external incisions or stitches.
- Recovery: Following a brief recovery period in our care, you can typically return home within a few hours, equipped with clear aftercare instructions.
Why Choose Optilume?
Compared to repeated dilations or more invasive surgical options, Optilume provides several compelling advantages:
- Clinically proven durability: It’s supported by multi-year clinical trial data (ROBUST trials¹²³) demonstrating significantly lower rates of recurrence and the need for re-treatment.
- Restored quality of life: Patients often experience rapid improvement in urine flow and a reduction in disruptive symptoms.
- Low impact: As a minimally invasive, non-incisional procedure, it means reduced operating time, faster recovery, and less post-procedure discomfort than open surgery options.
- Preservation of function: The procedure is designed to improve urinary flow while preserving continence and overall urinary function.
- Improved patient choice: It provides another option for patients, especially those who may not be candidates for more complex surgery.
- Experienced care: The procedure is delivered by our specialist urologists who are leaders in treating complex urethral conditions.
Request A Consultation
Break the cycle and find long-term relief from the symptoms of a recurrent urethral stricture.
At The Urology Partnership, our consultants are experts in the management of urethral strictures, receiving referrals from other centres around the UK South Coast as part of their specialist NHS practice in treating this condition.
Book an appointment with one of our urologists today:
Call us on: 0118 920 7040
Or complete our make an appointment form.
Optilume FAQs
Urethroplasty is a major reconstructive surgery, often requiring a general anesthetic, incisions and a hospital stay, followed by a longer, more intensive recovery period.
Conversely, Optilume is significantly less invasive than a urethroplasty. It is an outpatient, non-incisional procedure typically performed under local anesthetic. It offers an excellent alternative, especially for shorter, recurrent strictures, allowing patients to achieve long-term success without the risks and downtime associated with major open surgery.
The Optilume procedure is designed to be safe and highly localised. Paclitaxel is a well-established drug in medicine, but its application in Optilume is topical and precise.
The drug is delivered only to the stricture site in the urethra and is absorbed locally into the tissue. This targeted application minimises the amount of drug that enters the bloodstream, resulting in a low risk of systemic (body-wide) side effects.
Any minor, temporary discomfort experienced post-procedure is typically related to the mechanical dilation, not the drug itself.
If you have any concerns about the medication used in the procedure, these can be discussed with your specialist during your consultation.
Because the procedure is minimally invasive the recovery is generally swift.
- Immediately after: You will recover in our care for a few hours and usually go home the same day. You may have a temporary catheter, or pass urine without one, depending on your surgeon’s preference.
- First few days: You might experience mild discomfort, urgency or light bleeding when urinating, which usually subsides quickly.
- Returning to normal activity: Most patients are able to resume their normal daily, light activities within the first two to three days. Your specialist will provide specific guidance on when to resume exercise or strenuous activity.
The suitability for Optilume is determined during your consultation. While there is no rigid waiting period, it is often recommended to assess the stricture once it has stabilised after any previous procedure.
If you have recently failed a prior dilation or urethrotomy, please discuss the timeline with our urology specialist. We will perform a thorough evaluation to ensure Optilume is offered at the optimal time for the highest chance of success.
Next Steps
Get fast access to leading specialists for the swift diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions in a private clinic environment.
If you would like more information or wish to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist consultant urological surgeons then please either Call 0118 920 7040 or complete the form below.
Insured patients
Contact your GP and ask for a referral to the Urology Partnership.
All consultations, investigations and treatments are covered by major insurance companies (depending on policy).
Funding your own treatment
Self-funding initial consultation fee is £250. Follow up fees are £175.
Consultation charges are exclusive of any tests and other investigations that the consultant may wish to carry out.