Overview
Internal Urethrotomy, also known as Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat urethral strictures due to scarring. It can be categorized as Reconstructive Urology procedure where the normal anatomy and function of the urethra is restored by dilatation of the urethra.
It is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure where a small cut is made in the narrowed part to fix the abnormal narrowing of the urethra. A thorough pre-operative assessment by your urologist would comprise of physical examination, urinalysis for the presence of blood and white cells, urine culture for infection and Cystoscopy to confirm the diagnosis of urethral stricture.
The standard urethral imaging procedures like Retrograde Urethrogram and Voiding Cystourethrogram will be performed. You will be hospitalized at least one day before the surgery. Inform your surgeon about your other health conditions and medications that you are taking. Refrain from taking aspirin or Ibuprofen at least 2 weeks before it.
Stop smoking a few weeks before Internal Urethrotomy to prevent healing problems during recovery period. Do not eat or drink any thing for at least 10 - 12 hours before the Internal Urethrotomy procedure.
Suitability And Expectations
The internal urethrotomy surgery hospitals in India have been given a major financial boost thanks to the medical tourism industry. The standard of technology in the hospitals and clinics is high, and equivalent to some in the UK.
Hospitals in India are heavily promoting medical tourism facilities, and state that around 40% of their intake is foreigners looking for low cost, high quality medical treatments.
Surgeons, doctors and dentist are trained to a very high standard; many train in the US, Europe and Australia before practicing in India and now practicing in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad etc. As with any type of surgery abroad you should always check your surgeon’s credentials.
For example you can check with the India Board of Plastic Surgery if you are intending to have some form of cosmetic surgery. There should be a local or national.
What Patients Should Confirm
Patients should confirm realistic goals, medical fitness, surgeon credentials, recovery time, scars or limitations, and the exact aftercare steps before travelling.
Before requesting a medical opinion, keep recent reports, imaging files, discharge summaries, prescriptions, and a short symptom timeline ready. This helps the specialist review the case without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Travel And Follow-Up Planning
International patients should ask about visa documents, attendant needs, estimated hospital stay, nearby accommodation, fitness-to-fly advice, and how follow-up will continue after returning home.
Forerunners Healthcare can coordinate hospital options, doctor review, appointment planning, travel support, and cost estimates while keeping the final medical decision with the treating specialist.
Care Planning Checklist
Before confirming treatment, patients should share recent reports, imaging, prescriptions, allergy details, previous discharge summaries, and a short timeline of symptoms or diagnosis. This helps the hospital team give a clearer medical opinion and a more realistic cost estimate.
Patients should also confirm the expected hospital stay, attendant needs, visa documents, airport transfers, accommodation near the hospital, payment inclusions, and what may change if extra tests or a longer stay are required.
Follow-up planning should be discussed before travel. Ask what warning signs need urgent attention, when flying is usually reviewed, how medicines or dressings will be managed, and how the treating team will coordinate after the patient returns home.
