Breakthrough in Urology in Surat: Successful Drug-Coated Balloon Urethroplasty Performed on 84-Year-Old Male Patient

Surat (Gujarat) [India], 15th April 2024: A pioneering medical procedure has led to the complete resolution of a severe urethral stricture in an 84-year-old male patient, marking a significant milestone in the field of urology. This is a remarkable medical achievement, by Dr Subodh Kamble, internationally renowned Urologist.

The patient, who had been experiencing debilitating difficulties passing urine despite undergoing regular urethral dilation and an unsuccessful Visual Internal Urethrotomy surgery, underwent a ground breaking drug-coated balloon urethroplasty at Prish Multi Speciality Hospital & Center for Urocare, Kidney and Prostate, located on VIP Road, Vesu, Surat.

The 84-year-old male patient had presented with a challenging 4cm urethral stricture, a condition that greatly impacted his quality of life. Traditional treatments for urethral strictures in India typically involve buccal urethroplasty, an open surgical procedure with significant associated risks and complications. Given the patient’s age and comorbidities, this conventional treatment option was not advisable.

Dr Subodh Kamble, well-known urologist has successfully treated this 84-year-old male patient, using a cutting-edge technique called drug-coated balloon urethroplasty. This innovative procedure involves using a specialized balloon coated with medication to dilate the narrowed portion of the urethra, promoting healing and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Following the drug-coated balloon urethroplasty, the 84-year-old patient has made a full recovery, and his urethral stricture has completely resolved. This ground breaking success represents a significant advancement in the field of urology and offers hope to the countless individuals who suffer from urethral strictures.

Dr Subodh Kamble, the lead urologist on the case, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the procedure, stating, “We are thrilled to have been able to provide this advanced treatment option to our patient and witness the remarkable improvement in his condition. The success of drug-coated balloon urethroplasty in this case opens up new possibilities for the management of urethral strictures, particularly in patients where traditional surgical interventions may pose a higher risk.  The complete resolution of the urethral stricture in this patient is a testament to the effectiveness and potential of drug-coated balloon urethroplasty. We are thrilled to witness the significant improvement in the patient’s urological health and quality of life following this innovative treatment.”

The team at Prish Multi Speciality Hospital remains committed to pushing the boundaries of medical innovation and delivering superior care to patients in need. This successful case of drug-coated balloon urethroplasty serves as a shining example of their dedication to excellence in healthcare.

What is Urethral Stricture:

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This narrowing can be caused by scar tissue, inflammation, or other factors, leading to various symptoms and potential complications.

Symptoms of Urethral Stricture

• Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)
• Weak urine stream
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Pain or burning during urination
• Frequent urination
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Urinary retention
• Urinary tract infections
• Blood in the urine
• Pelvic pain

Urethral strictures are more commonly seen in adult males compared to females. In India, as in other parts of the world, urethral strictures are a relatively common urological condition, with various underlying causes such as trauma, infection, inflammation, or previous surgeries. While specific statistics on the prevalence of urethral strictures in the Indian population may vary, it is important to note that this condition can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent complications and improve urinary function.

What is Buccal Urethroplasty:

Buccal urethroplasty involves using tissue from the inside of the cheek (buccal mucosa) to reconstruct a portion of the urethra that has been narrowed or scarred due to a stricture. During the procedure, a surgeon harvests a graft of buccal mucosa from the patient’s cheek and uses it to repair the affected area of the urethra. Buccal urethroplasty is considered a more invasive procedure.

However, there are potential Complications of Buccal Urethroplasty:*

Like any surgical procedure, buccal urethroplasty carries certain risks and potential complications, which may include:

1. Infection at the surgical site
2. Bleeding
3. Swelling or discomfort in the cheek or mouth
4. Formation of scar tissue at the graft site
5. Failure of the graft to heal properly, leading to recurrent strictures
6. Changes in sensation in the mouth or cheek
7. Erection problems

Drug Coated Balloon Urethroplasty:

It is minimally invasive surgery with no cut on the body and without any complications of the buccal urethroplasty. It has less recurrence rate and can be used for multiple strictures as well as long length of the stricture where other methods fail.