The Urolift system – a brief guide for BHP patients

Urolift is a new system specifically designed to treat patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which are caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is a minimally invasive treatment, which many urologists are recommending in appropriate cases due to its high success rate and ease of patient use.

How does it work?

The Urolift system represents the only available treatment for BPH that doesn’t involve drugs or major surgery. The system itself consists of a small delivery device and even smaller permanent implants which hold open the urethra and keep enlarged tissue out of the way. As such, this treatment does not require cutting or removing any of the patient’s tissue, and is also the only BPH treatment which does not need to remove parts of the patient’s prostate. Equally, use of the Urolift has no negative impact on sexual function, making it rare in the treatment of BPH.

What does the procedure involve?

If your urologist suggests that you would benefit from the Urolift system, and you feel that this is the right option for you, then the physical procedure is relatively minor, meaning patients can often go home the same day, with no need for an overnight stay. The procedure involves the urologist deploying the Urolift implants to relieve the areas where the urethra is receiving excess pressure from the enlarged prostrate. Local or general anaesthesia will be used, but unlike other BPH treatments, a catheter will not be needed post-treatment.

How long is the recovery period?

Due to the ease and simplicity of the Urolift system, most patients can return home on the same day as its insertion. The recovery period is fairly quick, especially in comparison to other BPH treatments, with many patients experiencing symptom relief in approximately 14 days. Occasionally patients will initially notice small amounts of blood in their urine, and an increased need to urinate, but these side effects are likely to have faded after 28 days. Your Urolift surgeon will discuss after-care with you in detail.

If you have BPH and want to discuss your options, feel that you would benefit from the Urolift system, or have any other questions which need to be answered by an experienced urologist in Harrogate, then contact us today.