The Urolift® System is a relatively new surgical procedure designed for men who have benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). It is suitable for those patients who have been taking medication but haven’t seen their symptoms improving.
Unlike traditional surgical options, the UroLift® System offers a quicker recovery time, allowing patients to return to their daily activities with minimal downtime. This procedure is a game-changer for those seeking an effective and less invasive solution to manage BPH symptoms and improve their quality of life.
How Does The Prostatic Urethral Lift Procedure Work?
The Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) procedure, performed using the UroLift® System, is a straightforward and minimally invasive treatment. Here’s how it works:
Preparation: The procedure is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort. The choice of sedation or general anaesthetic will be determined following a discussion with the surgeon and anaesthetist.
Procedure: A small telescope-like instrument is passed along the waterpipe (urethra). This instrument allows a small band, similar in design to a treasury tag, to be passed between the inner and outer surface of the lobe of the prostate gland.
This small implant retracts part of the lobe of the prostate, relieving the pressure/obstruction on the urethra, and obviating the need for any cutting or burning of tissue. The number of bands put in place depends on the size and shape of the prostate. After the surgery, most men are able to pass urine without the need for a catheter in situ post-operatively.
Recovery: After the procedure, patients can usually go home the same day. Most experience quick recovery with minimal side effects, such as mild discomfort or urinary symptoms, which typically resolve within a few weeks.
The Benefits Of Urolift® System
The UroLift® System offers a durable solution for BPH, significantly improving urinary flow and overall quality of life without the need for ongoing medication or more invasive surgery. Here are some of the benefits of the procedure:
Minimally Invasive: The UroLift® procedure is less invasive compared to traditional surgical options, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser surgery, reducing the risks associated with more extensive surgeries.
Quick Recovery: Most patients experience a fast recovery, often returning to normal activities within a few days. There is typically minimal downtime, allowing men to resume their daily lives without significant interruption.
Preservation of Sexual Function: Unlike some other BPH treatments, the UroLift® System preserves sexual function. There is a low risk of retrograde ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, which are common side effects of other prostate surgeries.
Outpatient Procedure: The UroLift® procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home the same day. This convenience reduces the need for extended hospital stays.
Reduction or Elimination of Medication: By addressing the root cause of BPH symptoms, the UroLift® System can reduce or eliminate the need for long-term medication, which can have side effects and require regular management.
Minimal Side Effects: Any side effects are typically mild and temporary, such as mild discomfort or temporary urinary symptoms.
Improved Quality of Life: The UroLift® System enhances the overall quality of life, enabling men to enjoy daily activities without the constant distraction of urinary issues.
Suitability of Urolift®
It is vitally important that the consultant carries out a full individual examination to assess the current voiding function, shape and size of the prostate, sexual function, and the necessary evaluation for prostate cancer. Patient expectations following surgery must be considered, as should other types of treatment available for BPE.
Typically, those patients who respond well to this surgery are those whose prostate is not very enlarged. It may well suit the younger man who wishes to minimise the sexual side effects experienced from taking medication and those men who find the side effects of conventional surgery unacceptable.
The Side Effects Of The Urolift® System
These are some of the more common side effects that may occur following the procedure:
- Sensitivity when passing urine
- Urinary frequency
- Strong urge to pass urine at times
- Minimal bleeding
- General pelvic discomfort/pain
- Urinary leakage (relatively uncommon) but linked to urge
- Urinary tract infection (occurs in approximately 5% of patients)
- Side effects from the anaesthetic
Post Surgery Advice
Navigating the first few weeks after surgery is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal healing. During this period, patients must adhere to specific post-surgery advice to manage discomfort, prevent complications, and expedite their return to normal activities.
During the first 2-4 weeks you should:
- Avoid heavy lifting and straining (light exercise is okay)
- Avoid getting constipated
- Try not to go to the toilet ‘just in case’ so that the bladder learns to behave more ‘normally’
- Avoid long journeys or prolonged periods of sitting
- Avoid sexual activities
- Maintain a good fluid input of between 1.5-2 litres per day
- Drink steadily throughout the day
- Don’t drink too much tea or coffee (caffeinated drinks), fizzy drinks, or alcohol, as these may irritate the bladder
- Have a couple of weeks off work
- Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, and definitely no driving in the first 24 hours following the surgery
Available Evidence
- Approval by NICE, January 2014
- In men treated with Urolift, 50% showed improvement in flow rate (twice that of drugs but less than after TURP or HoLEP)
- 50% improvement of reported symptoms (up to 2-3 times better than drugs, but less than TURP or HoLEP)
- No sexual dysfunction (always some degree of dysfunction following other surgeries)
As with any surgery, it is vitally important to discuss the operation, benefits, pitfalls, side effects, long-term effects, and personal expectations in full with the consultant. This surgery is not suitable for every man with BPE.
Further Information
More information can be found at https://uk.urolift.com If you need further information and more content on benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), you can find it in our RESOURCES section.
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THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS A GUIDE ONLY. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU SPEAK TO YOUR GP OR A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY TREATMENTS.