A new and efficient procedure helping men affected by a common urinary condition has been performed at Princess Royal Hospital, making it one of the first hospitals in the region to offer this treatment.
Patients with recurring Urethral Stricture Disease experience problems with their urinary flow due to scarring of the urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder to outside the body). The scarring causes narrowing of the tube, making it difficult to urinate.
Now these patients can receive Optilume treatment at Princess Royal Hospital which prevents the disease reoccurring, reduces the need for multiple complex surgeries and is performed as a day case procedure.
The Optilume procedure is a minimally invasive method that involves dilating the scarred urethra using a medicine coated balloon, in a surgery that takes 10 minutes and patients can typically go home the same day as their treatment.
Mr Ammar Alanbuki, Consultant Urologist said: “Patients with urethral stricture often experience difficulty urinating, pain, and frequent infections, leading to repeated, invasive treatments.
“Optilume is effective because it reduces the risk of the narrowing of the urethra reoccurring by 70%, marking a significant improvement in patient care.”
The surgical theatre team has now performed three Optilume procedures, and follow-ups have shown that patients are successfully able to pass urine more comfortably.
This achievement demonstrates the urology department’s commitment to using the latest technologies and techniques in patient care, establishing them as a leading service for innovative procedures in the region.
Mr Alanbuki explains: “Using cutting-edge technology like Optilume is crucial for improving patient outcomes and enhances efficacy compared to traditional methods.
“This innovative approach leads to a quicker recovery, less pain, and fewer follow-up procedures, offering a more comfortable and effective solution for patients. As we treat more patients using this method, it will free up operating theatres as it reduces their need for multiple procedures in the future. Going forward, we hope to make this treatment available as an outpatient procedure, enabling patients to get home even quicker, without having to stay in hospital overnight.”
The urology team remains dedicated to providing excellent patient care and offering a wide range of advanced treatment options. Last year, they opened a Urology Investigation and Treatment Centre (UITC) at Princess Royal Hospital.
As part of a multi-million-pound investment to further improve patient experience, this centre has seen, assessed, and treated thousands of patients across Sussex for urology conditions, from life-threatening cancers to benign diseases more quickly, and in fewer hospital visits.