Optilume balloon dilation for radiation induced posterior urethral stenosis: a multi-institutional experience

Abstract Introduction Radiation induced urethral stenosis disease represents a complex subset of patients with higher rates of recurrence after treatment. Optilume®, a Paclitaxel drug-coated balloon, has been utilized in anterior urethral strictures with promising results. Although urethroplasty is...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Brian Ceballos, Eshan G. Joshi, Kayla Graham, Luke Shumaker, Katherine Englander, Victoria Stowasser, J. Patrick Selph, Lucas Wiegand, Kevin Heinsimer, Maxim McKibben, Maia VanDyke, Steven Hudak, Allen Morey, Adam Baumgarten
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Urology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-025-01829-0
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Introduction Radiation induced urethral stenosis disease represents a complex subset of patients with higher rates of recurrence after treatment. Optilume®, a Paclitaxel drug-coated balloon, has been utilized in anterior urethral strictures with promising results. Although urethroplasty is traditionally regarded as the gold standard for treating radiation-induced posterior urethral stenosis, it can be an invasive and challenging procedure with potential side effects. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of the Optilume® drug-coated balloon as a minimally invasive treatment option for radiation-induced posterior urethral stenosis. Methods A retrospective, multi-institutional review was conducted on male patients who underwent Optilume® drug-coated balloon dilation from January 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. The study involved five surgeons across four institutions. Patients were investigated based on their history of radiation-induced posterior urethral stenosis, and comparisons were made regarding demographics, characteristics of urethral stenosis, and outcomes, including surgical success and complications. Results Among the 56 patients with radiation-induced posterior urethral stenosis evaluated across all four institutions, 37 men had at least 90-day follow-up data. Of these 37 patients, 30 (81.1%) were deemed successful, defined as being free from repeat intervention. Although 6 patients (10.7%) experienced complications, none were greater than Clavien IIIb, with the most common complication being acute urinary retention. Conclusion Although radiation-induced urethral stenosis is typically associated with high rates of recurrence following conservative treatment, Optilume® drug-coated balloon represents an alternative endoscopic treatment option with encouraging short-term results.
ISSN:1471-2490