Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy

Overview

Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU) is a 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.

  • A DVIU is an endoscopic procedure.  This means a camera is passed through a normal opening in the body (the urethra in this case) without making an incision.
  • The stricture is cut open with a knife or a laser to increase the caliber of the urethra.
  • Usually a catheter or foley is left in place for 5-7 days.
  • It takes at least 48 hrs for the lining of the tube to start to reform after being traumatized or cut. This is why it is advantageous to leave a catheter.
  • The success rate of this procedure depends on
  1. location of stricture
  2. length of stricture
  3. thickness of scar
  4. number of prior procedures
  • This procedure is preferred in patients who are too sick to undergo a major reconstructive procedure.
  • It can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation.