Optilume uses a balloon coated with a medication (paclitaxel) to open a short stricture and help keep scar tissue from coming back.

What to expect

• You may go home with a catheter for a few days.
• Burning, urgency, and some blood in the urine are common for the first several days.
• Drink plenty of fluids unless you've been told to limit them.

Precautions with the medication

• Small amounts of the medication can be present in semen for a period after treatment. Use a condom with any partner, and avoid fathering a child, for as long as I advise.

Activity

• Light activity right away. Avoid heavy lifting and straddle activities for about a week, or as I advise.

Follow-up

We'll check your flow at follow-up visits to confirm the stricture stays open.

Call right away

Call the office at (516) 535-1900, or go to the nearest emergency room after hours, if you have:

• You can't urinate after the catheter comes out
• Fever or chills
• Bright red urine with clots that doesn't clear with fluids

Your own instructions come first

Every patient is different. If the instructions you got at your visit or at discharge differ from this page, follow those, and call the office at (516) 535-1900 with any question.