UroLift®
UroLift is a newer minimally invasive procedure suitable for treating BPH in some patients. It has been trialled since 2005 and been approved for use since 2013.
A cystoscope (small telescopic tube which allows visualisation of the urethra and bladder) is passed into the urethra under an anaesthetic. Small implants are used to tether the enlarged prostate tissue, holding it and therefore increase the bore of the urethra. The implants are left in place permanently but can be removed if required. The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prosate can narrow or even block the urethra.
Step 1
The UroLift Delivery Device is placed through the obstructed urethra to access the enlarged prostate.
Step 2
Small UroLift Implants are permanently placed to lift or hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way and increase the opening of the urethra. The permanent Implants are delivered through a small needle that comes out of the UroLift Delivery Device and into the prostate.
Step 3
The UroLift Delivery Device is removed, leaving an open urethra designed to provide symptom relief.
Advantages
- UroLift is minimally invasive requiring no cutting, heating or removal of tissue and can provide significant improvement in BPH symptoms within 2 weeks of the procedure. Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) would give greater improvement in symptoms but is more invasive.
- TURP can still be done later on after UroLift if required.
- Generally a day stay procedure and often there is no need for catherization.
- Preservation of sexual function (ejaculation of semen and erections).
- UroLift does not affect subsequent PSA testing, or MRI scans for prostate cancer screening.
- UroLift has 5 years of patient followup in USA studies, showing UroLift is durable in terms of patient satisfaction with relief of prostate symptoms and improved uroflow.
- UroLift is FDA approved in USA and TGA approved in Australia for treatment of enlarged prostate symptoms.
Side Effects
There may be pain or burning wih urination, blood in the urine and frequency of urination and pelvic pain for 2-4 weeks after the procedure.
Follow Up
Review of prostate symptoms score and uroflow testing will confirm the success of UroLift procedure.