Dr. Osterberg was the first surgeon in Central Texas to use the Optilume® Stricture Drug-Coated Balloon for the treatment of anterior urethral stricture disease. Optilume is a new, safe and effective minimally-invasive procedure that provides patients with urethral stricture disease an  immediate improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life.

Urethral stricture disease occurs when there is an obstruction in the urethra that prevents the flow of urine and emptying of the bladder properly. The stricture will block the narrow passage of the urethra, making it difficult and painful to urinate. Urethral strictures are often caused by traumatic, inflammatory or ischemic processes that can lead to severe problems if left untreated.

The new FDA-approved Optilume device revolutionizes the treatment by providing immediate and lasting symptom relief for men experiencing anterior urethral stricture disease induced lower urinary tract symptoms; including painful urination, weak, slow or intermittent flow, frequent UTIs, increased urge to urinate or urinating more frequently and inability to fully empty bladder.

Optilume is the world’s first Drug Coated Balloon approved by the FDA to treat patients with urethral strictures. It simultaneously dilates and delivers an anti-proliferative medicine to the urethral stricture. During the procedure, The Optilume device expands the scar tissue surrounding the urethral stricture and allows the drug, paclitaxel, to be delivered directly to the stricture. This combined technique results in limiting scar tissue generation and helps prevent future stricture recurrence.

The benefits of the Optilume Stricture drug-coated balloon procedure include:

• A safe and effective outpatient procedure

• Immediate and durable symptom relief

• Minimal catheter time post-procedure

• No impact on sexual function

• Quick recovery

For more information on this treatment for urethral strictures, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Charles Osterberg.