The UroLift^® System

The UroLift^® System is a minimally invasive treatment designed to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate. This System lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue so that it is out of the way, thus no longer blocking the urethra.

The minimally invasive UroLift System is the only BPH treatment that entails no cutting, heating or prostate tissue removal. In addition to avoiding invasive surgery or indefinitely taking multiple daily drugs, UroLift offers the benefit of a one-time-only, single procedure done in a urologist’s office.

The goal of the UroLift System is to relieve symptoms and allow those with BPH to get back to their life and daily activities.

A Thoroughly Tested System

Clinical data published in peer-reviewed sources demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the UroLift System. Clinical studies include data from over 1,000 patient-years, and these studies have been done in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Results of a pivotal five-year study were released in spring 2017 demonstrating UroLift has become an established standard of care for BPH. These studies have all proven UroLift to be a positive treatment for BPH, without compromising sexual function.

How Does the UroLift System Work?

The UroLift System consists of tiny permanent implants meant to directly open the urethra and hold the enlarged tissue out of the way. This is done by separating and holding the prostate lobes apart, relieving compression on the urethra and allowing the normal flow of urine. The treatment is done in the urologist’s office under local or general anesthesia, and patients return home the same day, usually without a catheter.
Since there is no cutting, heating or tissue removal involved, UroLift System is the first and only treatment for BPH that has no negative impact on sexual function. In addition, it does not preclude other BPH treatments if they are indicated in the future.

Benefits of The UroLift System

Those suffering from BPH should consult with a urologist who can determine if the UroLift System is right for them. Viability is based on an individual’s symptoms, anatomy and lifestyle. For those who undergo the UroLift System, benefits include:

• Minimally invasive
• In-office procedure
• No overnight stay
• Minimal down time
• Rapid symptom relief (as early as two weeks)
• Durable results
• Preservation of sexual function
• No surgery
• No daily medication

Side Effects and Results

Most side effects of the UroLift System are mild to moderate and subside in two to four weeks following the procedure. Common side effects include:

• Pain or burning with urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pelvic pain
• Urgent need to urinate
• Inability to control the urge to urinate

As with any medical procedure, individual results may vary. However, as the recent study referenced above indicates, after four years, over 86 percent of those patients who had undergone UroLift treatment were free from the need to seek additional procedures for the treatment of BPH.

About BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is due to enlargement of the prostate gland. Although BPH is not malignant, it can impede the flow of urine. Nearly 40 million men in the United States are affected by BPH, which occurs with advancing age. As a man ages, the prostate gland becomes enlarged and begins to obstruct the urinary system. In addition to impeding urinary flow, BPH often results in interrupted sleep, disruption of productive activities, depression and decreased quality of life.

While medication is often used for BPH, relief from that medication can be minimal and temporary. It also includes difficult side effects, such a sexual dysfunction, headaches and dizziness. Those side effects, as well as potential lack of effectiveness of these drugs, can lead to surgery as an alternative. This invasive surgical procedure cuts, heats or removes prostate tissue to facilitate opening the blocked urethra, causing other side effects.
The specialists at Partners In Urology are experts in the treatment of BPH using the UroLift System. Contact our office to see if the UroLift System is right for you.