I got a Stricture just below bladder neck. Combined with hemorrhagic bladder cystitis caused blood clots in the bladder causing urinary retention- an absolute horror show lasting 9 months. But I digress. Back to the stricture. the Surgeon thought the odds with a urethroplasty was 60/40 due to the length and location. Failure would make a salvage operation more dicey. I read the VIU and a balloon insertion both have a history of relapsing. I opted for a balloon procedure. It’s the most benign. I’m awestruck there has been no relapse after 4 years.

FYI: Anyone thinking about a balloon should inquire about the Optilume balloon, which coats the urethra with a chemical agent to make it more enduring.