The UroLift® System is a proven option for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, looking for an alternative to drugs or major surgery. The straightforward UroLift System uses tiny implants to hold open the obstructed pathway that’s blocking urine flow, addressing the blockage, not just continuously treating enlarged prostate (BPH) symptoms.
It is the only BPH treatment that does not require ongoing medication, heating, cutting or removal of the prostate tissue. The UroLift System offers a proven treatment with minimal risk of side effects. The goal of the UroLift System is to relieve symptoms so you can get back to your life and resume your daily activities. Treatment with the UroLift® System is typically a one-time, in-office solution that provides rapid relief and recovery of BPH symptoms.
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. 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.
As with any medical procedure, individual results may vary. Speak with your urologist to see if the UroLift System treatment is right for you. 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 of these side effects resolve within two to four weeks after the procedure.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a common condition in which the prostate enlarges as men age. BPH affects nearly 40 million Americans and 500 million men worldwide. More than 40% of men in their 50s and more than 70% of men in their 60s have BPH. Although BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can greatly affect a man's quality of life.
The enlarged prostate presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms like urgent need to urinate, difficulty starting your urine stream, need to push or strain when urinating, dribbling, incomplete emptying, weak urine flow, increased frequency of urination, burning or pain during urination, and frequent nighttime urination. Luckily, there are treatment options that can help.
Am I a candidate for the UroLift® System treatment?
You may be a good candidate if you are a male, 45 years of age or older, and have symptoms relating to BPH. 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 during the treatment?
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.
What happens during the recovery period?
Patients usually require no catheter post-treatment and typically go home the same day. There is minimal downtime and many patients experience symptom relief in as early as two weeks. Common side effects, which typically resolve within two to four weeks, 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.
Does my insurance cover the treatment?
The UroLift® System treatment is covered by Medicare and many private insurers. Contact your insurance provider for your specific coverage information.
If you think you might be a candidate for the UroLift System, talk to your primary care physician about a referral to a Woodland Clinic urologist, or call (530) 668-2600.
