If you're experiencing urinary problems like weak flow, frequent urge, or difficulty urinating, you might be dealing with a urethral stricture. A urethral stricture is a narrowing or blockage in the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Fortunately, Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU) is a minimally invasive procedure that can offer relief from this condition. Dr. Aditya Sharma, a top urologist in Lucknow, specializes in treating urethral strictures, ensuring effective and pain-free solutions for his patients.

What is DVIU?

DVIU is a procedure designed to treat urethral strictures by widening the narrowed areas, allowing for improved urinary flow. This procedure is commonly used for short strictures located in the urethra and is favoured because it requires no major incisions and involves minimal recovery time.

The DVIU Procedure

Understanding the procedure can help reduce any concerns you may have. Let’s break down what happens during a typical DVIU procedure.

1. Anaesthesia: Before the procedure begins, our urologist will administer either local or general anaesthesia, depending on your preferences and the complexity of the procedure. This ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free during the entire process.

2. Urethral Access: Once the anaesthesia takes effect, a thin, flexible tube called a cystoscope, equipped with a camera and light, is inserted into the urethra. This allows the urologist to carefully examine the stricture and navigate the cystoscope to the affected area.

3. Visual Inspection: The cystoscope provides a live video feed, which the urologist uses to directly visualize the stricture. This precise visualization helps determine the location and severity of the narrowing, ensuring that the treatment is targeted and effective.

4. Incision or Dilation: Once the stricture is located, the urologist uses specialized instruments to make an incision or carefully dilate the narrowed area. This is done with direct visual guidance, allowing for accurate treatment and immediate restoration of normal urinary flow.

5. Incision: A small cut is made to widen the stricture.

6. Dilation: If appropriate, the urologist may use instruments to gently stretch the narrowed area.

7. Catheter Placement: After the stricture has been treated, a urinary catheter may be placed. This helps drain urine from the bladder while the treated area heals. Depending on the procedure, the catheter may be removed within a few days or left in place for a longer period, as determined by your urologist.

8. Recovery and Follow-up: After the procedure, most patients can expect a short recovery period. You may experience mild discomfort, temporary blood in the urine, or an increased urge to urinate. These symptoms usually resolve on their own and can be managed with pain medications if needed.

Benefits of DVIU

• Minimally invasive: No need for large incisions, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery.
• Targeted treatment: The cystoscope allows for precision, ensuring that only the affected area is treated.
• Reduced hospital stay: Most patients can go home on the same day or after a short stay in the hospital.
• Effective and long-lasting: DVIU offers excellent results for short urethral strictures, with many patients experiencing long-term relief.

When is DVIU Recommended?

DVIU is typically recommended when:

• The stricture is short and located in a treatable area of the urethra.
• Other treatments, like urethral dilation, have not been successful.
• You experience symptoms like urinary retention, weak urine flow, or frequent urinary tract infections.

Contact Us for Your Consultation

If you're struggling with a urethral stricture and are considering DVIU, contact Dr. Aditya Sharma today. As a leading top urologist in Lucknow, Dr. Sharma is committed to helping you regain your health and well-being with personalized care and advanced treatment options.