Key Points

• The UroLift system is a new minimally invasive technology designed to help men with urinary symptoms due to BPH.

• UroLift is the only surgical treatment that does not cut, heat or remove any prostate tissue.

• UroLift provides 1) rapid relief of BPH symptoms, 2) rapid postoperative recovery within days, and 3) no sustained ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction side effects.

• UroLift is a safe and effective alternative to traditional BPH treatments and has been shown to provide significant and long-lasting symptom relief for patients.

What does this procedure involve?

• A small endoscopic camera is placed into the urethra and advanced to the area blocked by the enlarged prostate.

• Small implants are placed into the prostate to hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way and increase the opening of the urethra. Typically 4 implants are used.

• This helps to relieve the pressure on the urethra and improve urine flow, without the need for cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue.

• Patients can usually return home the same day.

What are the alternatives?

• There are several alternatives to the UroLift procedure for treating BPH.

• Medications: Prescription medications such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can help relieve BPH symptoms by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and reducing its size.

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): TURP is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the prostate gland through the urethra. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, is more invasive and may require a longer hospital stay.

• Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses a high-energy laser to remove or vaporize prostate tissue.

The choice of treatment will depend on several factors such as the severity of symptoms, the size of the prostate gland, and your overall health and preferences. It's important to discuss all the available options with Dr. Ashrafi to determine the best treatment plan.

What are the risks of the procedure?

• Urinary tract infection (<5%)

• Urinary retention (<1%)

• Bleeding: The risk of significant bleeding during or after the procedure is less than 1%.

• Device complications: Device-related complications are rare, occurring in less than 1% of patients.

• Pain or discomfort: Some patients may experience mild pain or discomfort during or after the procedure. This typically resolves within a few days and can be managed with medication.

• Retrograde ejaculation (<1-5%): semen flows back into the bladder instead of out through the penis. This usually does not cause any long-term health problems.

Are there any after-effects?

• Mild discomfort or pain: Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pain in the prostate area, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

• Urgency and frequency: After the procedure, patients may experience an increased urgency and frequency of urination. This is usually temporary and improves within a few days.

• Blood in urine: Some patients may notice blood in their urine after the procedure. This is usually mild and resolves on its own within a few days.

• Temporary difficulty with ejaculation: In clinical studies, about 10% of patients reported temporary difficulty with ejaculation after the UroLift procedure.

• Most patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few days after the UroLift procedure.