Drug Coated Balloon Dilatation for Urethral Stricture in Pune
A Breakthrough in Minimally Invasive Urology :
Urethral stricture is a condition marked by the narrowing of the urethra due to scarring, inflammation, or injury. This narrowing impedes urine flow, causing discomfort and, in severe cases, urinary retention, infections, and even kidney damage. Traditionally, treatment options included urethral dilation, internal urethrotomy, or surgical reconstruction. However, advances in biomedicine have introduced a promising technique: Drug Coated Balloon (DCB) dilatation—an innovation now offered in Pune by expert urologist – Dr. Irfan Shaikh at Urolife Clinic.
What is Urethral Stricture?
Urethral stricture results from scar tissue forming within the urethra, commonly caused by traumatic injury, infection (including STIs), prior surgeries, catheterization, or chronic inflammation. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty and pain during urination
- Weak urine stream
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Blood in urine
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Conventional Treatments: Their Pros and Cons
Conventional management includes:
- Dilation: Gradual stretching using catheters or balloons.
- Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU): Cutting or incising the stricture endoscopically.
- Urethroplasty: Surgical excision and reconstruction, considered most effective for long, recurrent strictures.
While dilation and DVIU are minimally invasive, recurrence rates are high—over 50% for some patients. Urethroplasty, although effective, is more invasive and demands longer recovery.
Drug Coated Balloon (DCB) Technology: A Game Changer
Drug Coated Balloon dilatation represents a significant leap forward. It employs a balloon—coated with special medication like paclitaxel—that is gently inflated within the stricture segment. This two-pronged approach combines mechanical dilation with localized drug delivery, targeting scar tissue formation and reducing recurrence.
How Does DCB Dilatation Work?
- Expertise: Dr. Irfan Shaikh is a trusted urologist with years of experience in treating prostate conditions.
- Personalized Care: Tailored treatment plans to meet your unique needs.
- Advanced Technology: Urolife Clinic is equipped with the latest medical technology for precise and effective treatments.
Advantages of Drug Coated Balloon Dilatation
- Minimally invasive: The procedure is endoscopic, with no external incisions.
- Effective: Clinical trials show 67–77% success rates at 3 years, with significant symptom improvement and reduced need for repeat interventions.
- Reduced recurrence: The drug inhibits scarring, which is the hallmark problem in urethral stricture management.
- Quick recovery: Patients experience relief and improved urinary flow within days.
- Safety: Device-related adverse events are rare and mild, with no negative impact on sexual or erectile function.
- Localized therapy: Systemic drug exposure is minimal, reducing risk of side effects.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
Patients with recurrent bulbar urethral strictures ≤2cm, particularly those who have failed earlier dilation or urethrotomy, are ideal candidates. Your urologist will assess the length, location and severity of the stricture, medical history, and prior treatments before recommending DCB dilatation.
The Procedure: What to Expect
- Pre-operative assessment: Includes uroflowmetry, retrograde urethrogram, and cystoscopy—determining location and length of the stricture.
- Preparation: Local or general anesthesia ensures comfort.
- Balloon placement and inflation: The drug-coated balloon is positioned at the stricture site and inflated for several minutes, delivering the medication.
- Catheter support: A Foley catheter may be placed temporarily to aid healing.
- Follow-up: Regular consultations to assess urinary symptoms, flow rate, and overall health.
Recovery is faster than open surgical options, with most patients returning to daily activities within days. Improvements in urine flow and symptom relief are typically noticed early.
Visit Urolife Clinic in Pune for Drug Coated Balloon Dilatation
Searching for Drug Coated Balloon dilatation for urethral stricture in Pune? Dr. Irfan Shaikh at Urolife Clinic Pune, stands at the forefront of modern urology services.
- Over 15 years of experience as a consultant urologist and uro-surgeon.
- Gold medalist and member of the Urology Society of India.
- Specializes in the latest minimally invasive treatments for urinary disorders—including DCB for urethral stricture.
- Urolife Clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical technology, ensuring precision and safety.
- Comprehensive care: From consultation to post-procedure follow-up, the clinic delivers personalized treatment plans.
Why Choose Urolife Clinic Pune for Urethral Stricture Treatment?
- Expertise: Led by Dr. Irfan Shaikh, top-rated for patient outcomes.
- Advanced technology: Offers cutting-edge treatments such as Drug Coated Balloon dilatation.
Drug coated balloon dilatation for urethral stricture is redefining urological care, offering hope to those troubled by recurrent strictures and the complications of traditional treatments. If you’re struggling with urinary symptoms that may indicate urethral stricture, book a consultation at Urolife Clinic Pune—choose modern medicine, choose reliable results, and experience the expertise of Dr. Irfan Shaikh for your urological health.
Dr. Irfan Shaikh – Urethral Strictute Treatment Specialist in Pune?
Dr. Irfan Shaikh
Consultant Urologist & Uro Surgeon (MBBS, MS (Gen. Surgery), M.Ch. Urology), is one of the Top Urologists In Pune
Dr. Irfan Shaikh – Consultant Urologist & Uro Surgeon (MBBS, MS (Gen. Surgery), M.Ch. Urology), is one of the Top Urologists In Pune. A gold medalist in the department of Urology, Dr. Irfan Shaikh specializes in Female Urology in India. He has finished his education from one of the top colleges with MBBS from Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College & Sasson General Hospital in Pune and MS in general surgery from PGI, Chandigarh. Moreover, he has also done M.Ch in Urology from Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Charitable Hospital. Having so many degrees from prestigious institutes, Dr. Irfan Shaikh ensures to treat his patients with all the knowledge that he has accumulated over the years.
Urolife provides you all kinds of Urological Treatment Services such as Kidney Stones Treatment, Bladder Stones Treatment, Prostate Cancer Treatment, Kidney Cancer Treatment, and Urinary Tract Infection Treatment, RIRS Surgery and PCNL Surgery for Kidney Stone Removal and Andrological Treatment Services such as Erectile Dysfunction Treatment, Sexology Therapy, Penile Enlargement Services, and Premature Ejaculation Treatment, Varicocele Surgery.
FAQ’s
Drug Coated Balloon Dilatation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat narrowing of the urethra. A special balloon coated with medication is inserted into the narrowed area, inflated to widen it, and releases the drug to prevent scar tissue from reforming.
Unlike standard balloon dilatation, which only physically widens the urethra, DCB Dilatation also delivers medication (usually an anti-proliferative drug) to the tissue. This reduces the chances of the stricture coming back.
Patients with short urethral strictures, recurrent narrowing after previous treatments, or those who want a less invasive option compared to open surgery may benefit from DCB Dilatation. Your urologist will determine if it’s suitable for you.
The procedure is usually done under local or general anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Some mild discomfort or burning sensation during urination may occur for a short period after the procedure.
Most patients can go home the same day or the next day. Normal activities can often be resumed within a few days, but your doctor may recommend avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a short period.