Laser DVIU
Direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU) is surgery to repair a narrowed section of the urethra. This is referred to as a stricture. The urethra is the tube through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethral stricture is due to scarring of the urethra. This scarring may be caused by infection or injury. DVIU cuts through the scar tissue and opens the urethra.
Urethral stricture can result in:
- Prostate problems in men
- Infections of the bladder or kidneys
- Inability to urinate or empty the bladder completely
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Pain when urinating
- Damage to urethra
- Recurrent stricture
- Need for more procedures
- Penis pain
- Erectile dysfunction
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
- Bleeding disorders or taking medications that reduce blood clotting
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.
Description of the procedure
After you are asleep, a special tube called a cystoscope will be placed in your urethra to locate the stricture. Next, a special tool will be placed through the cystoscope and used to cut away the scar tissue inside your urethra to make it wider. The scar tissue may be removed by cutting or using a laser or heat source. After the tissue is removed, the urethra and bladder area will be examined.
A catheter may be placed once the surgery is complete. A catheter is a plastic tube place through the urethra into the bladder.