FDA-approved, Minimally Invasive Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
March 15, 2023
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. It affects nearly 40 million Americans and over 500 million aging men worldwide. Although benign, it can greatly affect quality of life. TexomaCare Urologist Jeremy West, MD, shares his knowledge on UroLift®, a minimally invasive BPH treatment option now available at Texoma Medical Center.
Can you describe the UroLift procedure?
The UroLift System is an FDA-approved approach that can help men wean off BPH medications and avoid major surgery. It places small, permanent implants to relieve prostate obstruction and open the urethra, and is the only BPH treatment that does not require cutting, heating or removing prostate tissue. Performed in an outpatient setting, the procedure typically uses local anesthesia and allows patients to return home the same day without a catheter.
What makes it preferable to traditional treatments?
The procedure is a one-time, in-office solution that can provide rapid relief from BPH symptoms and break the cycle of medications that can affect how patients feel, without the risks of more invasive surgery. The goal is to relieve symptoms so you can get back to your life and resume your daily activities. Importantly, it is currently the only BPH procedure shown not to cause new and lasting erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.
How long is the procedure and recovery time?
The procedure usually takes less than an hour, and you may be given medication to feel comfortable during treatment. There is minimal downtime post-treatment and many patients experience symptom relief within two weeks. Patients may experience some urinary discomfort during the recovery period. The most common side effects include blood in urine, mild pain or discomfort when urinating, increased urge to go and pelvic discomfort that typically resolve two to four weeks after the procedure.
Who is an ideal candidate?
You may be a 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 is right for you. They will likely have you fill out a questionnaire to assess your symptoms and perform some common examinations, such as a digital rectal exam, transrectal ultrasonography, bladder ultrasound and urinalysis. If you have a known allergy to nickel, titanium or stainless steel, talk to your doctor before getting the treatment.
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.