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DVIU · Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy in Bangkok
DVIU is an endoscopic procedure that cuts open a short urethral stricture under direct vision with a cold knife or laser, restoring normal urinary flow without open surgery. It’s the first-line endoscopic option for short (under 1.5 cm), primary, bulbar urethral strictures. Recurrence is common for longer or recurrent strictures · for those, formal urethroplasty (open reconstruction) is the more durable option.
Our solutions
Why patients choose DVIU
What Our Patients Say
Male Surgery
The difference was night and day. I hadn’t felt a strong stream like that in years.
Wachirawit, 67
Male Surgery
I was nervous about surgery, but the relief was almost instant. Sleeping through the night feels incredible again.
Khom, 64
Book your consultation today.
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How to Prepare for DVIU
Urethrography
Retrograde urethrogram maps stricture length, location, and severity.Cystoscopy
Direct visualization of the stricture and assessment of the urethra above and below.Urine culture
Treat any urinary infection before surgery.Stop blood thinners
5-7 days before surgery only if cleared by your prescribing doctor.Pre-anesthesia assessment
Brief screening for spinal or general anesthesia.Plan for short admission
Same-day or single-night stay.
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What Happens During DVIU
Anesthesia
Spinal or general anesthesia.Cystoscope insertion
A urethroscope is passed through the urethra to the stricture under direct vision.Stricture incision
The stricture is cut open along its length with a cold knife or holmium laser at the 12-o’clock position under direct vision.Inspection
Once the stricture is opened, the urethra above is inspected for any additional pathology.Catheter placement
A urethral catheter is left in for 3-7 days to keep the urethra open during initial healing.Follow-up
Catheter removed at 3-7 days. Uroflowmetry at 3 months and 6 months confirms patency · cystoscopy if symptoms suggest recurrence.
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Explore Our Topics
About DVIU
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Stricture-Strategy Triage
DVIU is right for short primary bulbar strictures · for longer, recurrent, or anterior-urethral strictures, urethroplasty is more durable. We recommend the right option based on stricture characteristics, not technology preference.
Honest Pre-Op Counseling
DVIU has 50-60% recurrence at 5 years for many strictures · we discuss this openly so you can choose between DVIU now (with risk of needing urethroplasty later) vs urethroplasty up front.
Holmium Laser Option
For appropriate strictures, holmium laser urethrotomy is an alternative to cold knife · similar outcomes with potentially less bleeding.
Private, Discreet Recovery
Confidential care, WhatsApp recovery support, English-language follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
When is DVIU the right choice?
DVIU is appropriate for short (under 1.5 cm), primary (no prior treatment), bulbar urethral strictures with no significant peri-urethral fibrosis. For longer strictures, recurrent strictures, anterior urethral strictures, or strictures with extensive fibrosis, urethroplasty is more durable.
What’s the recurrence rate?
Recurrence within 1-3 years occurs in 40-60% of patients · varies based on stricture length, location, and number of prior treatments. Repeat DVIU has diminishing returns · after 1-2 failed DVIU, urethroplasty is recommended.
Why not just urethroplasty first?
Urethroplasty is more durable (over 85% long-term success) but is open surgery with longer recovery (catheter for 2-3 weeks, return to work in 2-3 weeks). DVIU is endoscopic with quick recovery, at the cost of higher recurrence. The right choice depends on stricture characteristics and your tolerance for repeat procedures.
How long is recovery?
Catheter for 3-7 days. Light activity within a few days. Return to work in 5-7 days for desk work. Sexual activity can resume after catheter removal and brief healing.
How much does DVIU cost in Bangkok?
Cost depends on anesthesia choice (spinal or general), use of holmium laser, and hospital admission length. Book a consultation for a personalized quote.
ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT FOR SHORT URETHRAL STRICTURES
ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT FOR
SHORT URETHRAL STRICTURES
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