Multicentric Analysis of Outcomes of Optical Internal Urethrotomy for Short Segment Bulbar Urethral Strictures

Background: Stricture urethra is a very common disease among men of all ages. It specially affects people of the productive age group (20–50yrs) thereby having both financial and health related implications. Hence there has been a long history of research in identifying the most optimal treatment modality of which optical internal urethrotomy offers a safe, easy and quick mode of treatment. This study aims to identify the best predictive markers for obtaining the optimal results in those patients. Materials and Methods: For this prospective observational analysis, 100 patients who had optical internal urethrotomy for small segment strictures between December 2023 and May 2025 are included. 50 patients from the A.C.S Medical College and Hospital, Chennai and 50 patients from the Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry were chosen for this study. These patients were followed up for a period of about 9 to 12 months with uroloflowmetry and symptomatology and the results are tabulated. Results: On analysing the follow up investigation results, it was found that stricture length of less than 1 cm, luminal narrowing of less than 40% and absence of lichen sclerosis were found to be the independent positive predictive factors for the success of optical internal urethrotomy. Conclusion: Optical internal urethrotomy is the most effective treatment for patients with short segment bulbar urethral strictures. Treatment outcomes are significantly influenced by the length of the stricture segment, the degree of luminal constriction, and the existence of related illnesses such as lichen sclerosis.