UroLift® for BPE: what are the benefits?
Written by:When it comes to managing benign prostate enlargement (BPE) there are a variety of treatment options available. UroLift® is a fairly new procedure that is suitable for patients where medication has been tried but has not been effective. We’ve asked one of our top urologists Mr Aza Mohammed to explain the advantages of using UroLift® over other methods.
Who is suitable for UroLift®?
Typically those patients who respond well to this surgery are those whose prostate is not very enlarged and is sized between 30-80 cc. The procedure is well suited to men who wish to minimise the sexual side effects experienced from taking medication, such as sexual dysfunction. Some men may not agree with the side effects experienced by conventional surgery and would prefer the minimally invasive approach.
What happens during the procedure?
The urologist places tiny implants into the prostate using a telescope-like instrument, which is passed through the urethra. The implants are placed between the inner and outer surfaces of the prostate to pull the obstructing prostate lobes away from the urethra. This relieves the pressure and obstruction on the urethra. The number of implants put in place depends on the size and shape of the prostate. After the surgery, most men are able to pass urine without the need for a catheter in situ post-operatively.
The surgery can be carried out either under sedation or under a general anaesthetic so that the patient is asleep throughout the procedure. The choice of sedation or general anaesthetic will be determined following discussion with the surgeon and anaesthetist.
What are the benefits of Urolift?
In most cases, there is an immediate improvement in the ability to pass urine. It does not cause any new problems associated with sexual dysfunction. The risks associated with an erection or ejaculation are extremely small. This means that fertility is not impaired and the patient’s sex life remains normal.
The procedure is shorter than other operations as it only takes 20 minutes to perform. The recovery time is quicker than other procedures, and it takes around two weeks for the symptoms of the enlarged prostate to improve.
Urolift® is a suitable option for men who have not benefitted from medical therapy and those who would like to avoid major prostate surgery and catheterisation.
If you are interested in Urolift® then do not hesitate to book a first consultation appointment with Mr Mohammed.
