Urethral Stricture Treatment NYC

When the urethra narrows

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra caused by scar tissue. It produces a weak or split stream, straining, incomplete emptying, recurrent urinary tract infections, and — left unchecked — can progress toward retention. The frustration for many men is that standard treatments (simple dilation or internal urethrotomy) often work for a while, then the stricture comes back.

Optilume — a state-of-the-art drug-coated balloon

How it's different

Optilume is a drug-coated balloon (DCB): it gently dilates the stricture and, at the same time, delivers a medication (paclitaxel) to the area that helps keep scar tissue from re-forming. It's a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure — no open surgery.

The evidence

In the randomized ROBUST III trial, Optilume showed superior freedom from repeat intervention compared with standard endoscopic treatment — a meaningful advantage for men who've had strictures come back after ordinary dilation. For appropriately selected men, it's an excellent way to get durable relief while avoiding, or postponing, open urethral reconstruction (urethroplasty).

Experienced hands

Optilume is newer, advanced technology, and experience with it matters. Dr. Shusterman is among the more experienced physicians offering Optilume for urethral stricture and will give you a straight assessment of whether you're a good candidate.

Strictures in women

Women can develop urethral narrowing too — an under-recognized cause of recurrent UTIs and difficult urination. We evaluate for it and treat with dilation when appropriate.

Why it matters

Done in the office, not the hospital

Because we have a combined urology and interventional radiology team in-office, we diagnose and treat the large majority of what we do right here — see how our in-office model works.

When to see us

If you have a weak stream, straining, recurrent UTIs, or a stricture that keeps coming back after dilation, ask about Optilume. Call (212) 991-9991 or book a consultation.

Common questions

What is Optilume?

Optilume is a drug-coated balloon for urethral stricture. It dilates the narrowing and delivers a medication (paclitaxel) that helps prevent scar tissue from re-forming — a minimally invasive, catheter-based alternative to repeated dilations or open surgery.

Is Optilume better than regular dilation?

In the randomized ROBUST III trial, Optilume showed superior freedom from repeat intervention compared with standard endoscopic treatment. For men whose strictures keep returning after ordinary dilation, that durability is the main advantage.

Does Optilume mean I can avoid surgery?

For appropriately selected men, Optilume can provide durable relief while avoiding or postponing open urethral reconstruction (urethroplasty). Urethroplasty remains the surgical gold standard for some strictures; we'll tell you honestly which path fits your case.

Is it done in the office or hospital?

Optilume is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure. We'll review exactly what your treatment involves and what to expect for recovery, which is typically quick.

Can women have urethral strictures?

Yes, though it's less common and under-recognized. Urethral narrowing in women can cause recurrent UTIs and difficult urination, and we treat it with dilation when appropriate.