UroLift® System
What is the UroLift® System?
Treatment with the UroLift® System uses a minimally invasive approach
that provides rapid relief and recovery of BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,
symptoms. It is an earlier treatment option that can get men off BPH medications
and avoid major surgery. The goal of the UroLift System treatment is to
relieve symptoms so you can get back to your life and resume your daily
activities.
"This is a minimally invasive treatment that I enjoy offering to my
patients suffering from BPH-related urinary symptoms. UroLift typically
has a quick recovery with a rapid improvement in symptoms. Patients can
avoid or discontinue their BPH medications, all while avoiding sexual
side effects." - Dr. Anthony DiMatteo, BHS Urologic Associates
What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which the prostate
enlarges as men get older. BPH is a very common condition that affects
over 40 million Americans and over 500 million aging men worldwide. Over
40% of men in their 50s and over 70% of men in their 60s have BPH. While
BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can greatly
affect a man’s quality of life. As the prostate enlarges, it presses
on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms such as:
- Frequent need to urinate both day and night
- Weak or slow urinary stream
- A sense that you cannot completely empty your bladder
- Difficulty or delay in starting urination
- Urgent feeling of needing to urinate
- A urinary stream that stops and starts
You can measure the severity of your BPH symptoms by taking the
International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire.
How Does the UroLift® System Work?
The UroLift® System uses a revolutionary approach to treating BPH that
lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue so it no longer blocks the
urethra. It is the only available BPH treatment performed by a urologist
that does not require heating, cutting, or removal of the prostate tissue.
The procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia in a physician’s
office or ambulatory surgery center. Patients typically return home the
same day without a catheter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate?
If you are a male, 45 years of age or older, and have symptoms relating
to BPH. Speak with your urologist to see if the UroLift® System treatment
is right for you. If you have a known allergy to nickel, titanium or stainless
steel, talk to your doctor about your allergy before getting a UroLift®
System treatment.
What should I expect?
In general, the UroLift® System is a minimally invasive treatment that
entails minimal downtime. Your doctor will use the UroLift Delivery Device
to deploy permanent implants to relieve obstruction caused by the enlarged
prostate that is pressing on your urethra. The procedure, which usually
takes less than an hour, may be performed under local or general anesthesia
and you may be given medication to feel comfortable during the treatment.
This typically helps minimize discomfort during the procedure, though
everyone’s definition for pain and discomfort varies greatly. Typically,
no catheter and no overnight stay is required post-treatment.
What happens post-treatment, during the recovery period?
After the treatment, patients typically go home the same day without a
catheter. There is minimal downtime post-treatment and many patients experience
symptom relief in as early as 2 weeks. Patients may experience some urinary
discomfort during the recovery period. Most common side effects are mild
to moderate and include pain or burning with urination, blood in the urine,
pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate and/or the inability to control the
urge. Most symptoms resolved within two to four weeks after the procedure.
Does the treatment affect my sexual function?
Clinical studies have shown the UroLift® System treatment does not
cause new, sustained instances of erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.
The same cannot always be said of other BPH therapies such as TURP, laser,
and even medication.