Optilume Procedure Newcastle
Optilume is a modern and minimally invasive treatment for recurrent urethral strictures. It combines gentle dilation with a medicine that helps keep the urethra open for longer, offering many men a durable result without major reconstructive surgery.
What is the Optilume procedure?
Optilume is a drug-coated balloon designed to treat narrowing of the urethra, known as a urethral stricture.
It is positioned between simple stretching procedures and formal reconstructive surgery. It is particularly helpful for men whose stricture has returned after dilation or optical urethrotomy.
Standard dilation and internal cuts often fail because the urethra heals by forming scar tissue, which narrows it again. Optilume addresses both the narrowing and the scarring process.
The balloon gently widens the narrowed section. At the same time it delivers a medicine called paclitaxel directly into the wall of the urethra. Paclitaxel slows the cell growth responsible for scar tissue formation.
By reducing re-scarring, the aim is a longer-lasting result than dilation alone and a less invasive alternative to urethroplasty in selected cases.
How it works
Optilume works in two complementary steps during a single procedure.
Gentle dilation
A balloon catheter is positioned at the site of the stricture and inflated. This widens the urethra and restores urine flow.
Local delivery of medicine
As the balloon expands, it delivers paclitaxel into the urethral wall. This medicine helps slow the scar formation that causes strictures to recur.
Reduced recurrence
By calming the healing response, Optilume aims to keep the urethra open for longer than stretching alone.
Who the Optilume procedure may suit
This procedure may be suitable for men who:
Optilume may be appropriate for men who:
- Have a recurrent stricture in the anterior urethra
- Have already undergone dilation or urethrotomy that did not provide lasting relief
- Wish to avoid major reconstructive surgery
- Are assessed as suitable by a consultant urologist
Stricture length, position and previous treatments all influence suitability.
What to expect
- Assessment
Your consultant confirms the location and length of the stricture using flow tests, urethroscopy and imaging. Suitability for Optilume is discussed in detail. - The procedure
Optilume is performed as a minimally invasive day-case procedure. The balloon is guided to the narrowing, inflated to widen it and deliver the medicine, then removed. There is no external incision. - Recovery and review
A catheter is usually required for a short period afterwards. Most men resume normal activities quickly. Follow-up includes review of urinary flow and symptoms.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for the Optilume procedure in Newcastle?
Accurate stricture assessment
Treatment is guided by precise definition of length, position and cause.
Minimally invasive option
A day-case procedure with faster recovery than reconstructive surgery.
Honest discussion of durability
Clear explanation of recurrence rates and when urethroplasty may still be preferable.
Consultant-led throughout
Assessment, procedure and follow-up are delivered by an experienced urologist.
What the evidence shows
Optilume has been evaluated in the international ROBUST trial programme. In the ROBUST III randomised controlled trial, men treated with Optilume were significantly more likely to remain free of repeat treatment than those who had standard endoscopic management, with meaningful improvements in urinary flow and symptom scores maintained at two years.
Longer-term data from the earlier ROBUST I study reported a functional success rate of around 58% at five years in men with recurrent strictures. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person, and your consultant will explain what is realistic in your case, including where urethroplasty may still be the more durable choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Optilume surgery?
It is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure rather than open surgery. No external incision is made.
How is it different from dilation?
Standard dilation stretches the narrowing but does not reduce scarring. Optilume also delivers a medicine that helps slow scar formation.
Is it suitable for every stricture?
No. It is mainly used for selected recurrent anterior strictures within certain size limits.
What is recovery like?
Most men go home the same day with a short period of catheter use. Normal activities can usually resume quickly.
Can I still have urethroplasty later?
Yes. Optilume does not usually prevent future reconstructive surgery if required.
Book your urology consultation today
Consultations are available to book online for patients with or without a GP referral. Our private specialists provide world-class care in a discrete environment.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception01189207055
- Location
The Beverley Hospital, The Edge, Fifth Ave, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0XA
