About Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with no external incisions.Performed under direct vision for precision and safety.Typically done as a day-care or short-stay procedure.Primary goal is to restore normal, comfortable urine flow.Quicker recovery and return to normal activities compared to open urethroplasty.Often serves as an effective first-line surgical treatment for suitable strictures./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Symptomatic urethral stricture causing poor urine stream, straining, or spraying.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to incomplete bladder emptying.
- Urinary retention (inability to urinate).
- Strictures that are short (usually less than 2 cm), bulbar (in the mid-portion of the urethra), and not too dense or recurrent.
- Strictures that have not responded adequately to simple dilation.
- Pre-operative preparation for other urological procedures requiring urethral access.
How to prepare
- Complete a pre-operative medical evaluation, which may include blood tests and an ECG.
- Undergo diagnostic tests like a retrograde urethrogram or urethral ultrasound to map the stricture.
- Inform your urologist about all medications, especially blood thinners (which may need to be paused).
- Fast (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours before the procedure if general or spinal anesthesia is planned.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- Discuss anesthesia options (spinal or general) with your anesthetist.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding from the incision site in the urethra, leading to blood in the urine (hematuria).
- Infection, including urinary tract infection (UTI) or, rarely, epididymitis (infection of the testicular tube).
- Perforation of the urethra or injury to surrounding tissues.
- Recurrence of the stricture, which is the most common long-term risk.
- Temporary or, very rarely, permanent urinary incontinence.
- Erectile dysfunction is uncommon but a potential risk.
- Reaction to anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You may have a temporary urinary catheter for 1-3 days to allow healing and ensure drainage.
- Expect blood-tinged urine for a few days; drink plenty of water to flush the bladder.
- Antibiotics and pain medications will be prescribed to prevent infection and manage discomfort.
- Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse for 2-4 weeks as advised.
- You may return to non-strenuous work within a few days to a week.
- Attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring and to assess urine flow. Your urologist may recommend periodic self-dilation or follow-up cystoscopies.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient/day-care)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for full recovery and strenuous work
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering direct visual internal urethrotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for direct visual internal urethrotomy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform direct visual internal urethrotomy. MediFyr helps you compare urologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for direct visual internal urethrotomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 35 Thousand – 85 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient/day-care) | ~ 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for full recovery and strenuous work | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 123 Thousand – 298 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient/day-care) | ~ 1-2 weeks for normal activities, 4-6 weeks for full recovery and strenuous work | Know More |
Top hospitals for Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated urology teams and experience managing patients undergoing direct visual internal urethrotomy.
Aarav Nair, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Aarav Nair, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had been struggling for over a year. It started with a weak, spraying urine stream that took forever to finish. Soon, he was waking up 4-5 times a night, exhausted and irritable, which affected his work and time with his kids. His urologist, Dr. Sharma, diagnosed a urethral stricture, a scar tissue narrowing in the tube that carries urine, likely from a forgotten childhood bicycle injury. After a less invasive dilation procedure provided only temporary relief, Dr. Sharma recommended a Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU). He explained it as a precise, minimally invasive surgery where a thin scope with a tiny blade would be used to cut the scar tissue under direct vision, reopening the passage. Terrified of surgery but desperate for a normal life, Aarav agreed. The procedure under spinal anesthesia was quick. The recovery was uncomfortable, with burning during urination and a temporary catheter, but manageable. Within weeks, the difference was night and day. His flow was strong and direct, and he slept through the night for the first time in years. The constant anxiety about finding a bathroom vanished. Aarav felt a profound sense of relief and regained control, his energy and cheerful demeanor returning, much to his family's joy.
Urologists for Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy
Explore experienced urologists who regularly perform direct visual internal urethrotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 26 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore