This is a relatively non-invasive surgical approach which treats symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland (medically known as ‘benign prostatic hyperplasia’ or BPH) – a condition which is most commonly found in men over the age of 50. When the gland is enlarged, it can sit around your urethra as it leaves the bladder and block the flow of urine.

During the UroLift procedure, implants (typically 4 of them) are passed into your prostate, using a telescope passed into your bladder. The implants are placed between the inner and outer surfaces of the prostate, so that they compress the obstructing prostate lobes away from your urethra. They become incorporated into the prostate tissue within three months, so they then can’t be seen in your bladder.

This procedure has a range of benefits when compared to other surgical treatments for prostate enlargement, including:

• Less invasive procedure for an enlarged prostate than traditional surgery
• Shorter recovery time than traditional surgery
• Provides quick relief of BPH symptoms by allowing urine to flow more freely
• Does not typically affect sexual function
• Can improve quality of life and self confidence
• Long-lasting treatment

All types of surgical procedure have risks and possible complications as well as benefits. Those associated with UroLift can include:

• Infection
• Pain or discomfort
• Bleeding
• Temporary urinary retention
• Temporary burning or stinging when passing urine

Requirement for additional procedures after surgery

UroLift surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic, so the area being treated will be numbed and you won’t feel anything.

Your surgeon will begin the procedure by inserting the small UroLift device through your urethra, guiding it to the place where your prostate is obstructing it. Tiny implants are then put in place to lift and then hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, increasing the opening of the urethra so that the flow of urine can be improved. The procedure usually takes less than an hour.

The severity of your symptoms, your previous medical history and your current overall health will be major factors in determining if this procedure will be able to help. The size of your prostate will matter, too, as UroLift isn’t able to be used to treat all men with prostate enlargement.

UroLift might be a suitable option for you if you have symptoms such as:

• Leaking of urine
• More frequent urination during the night
• Feel an urgency to urinate
• Inability to urinate
• Discomfort

At your consultation, your surgeon will give you personalised advice and recommend the best course of action for you.

You’ll be discharged when you’ve passed urine satisfactorily, which is usually on the day of your procedure. If you’re not able to do this, a catheter may be fitted temporarily and you’ll be advised how to manage this and the arrangements for its removal.

You may feel a ‘burning’ sensation and there could be some blood when you pass urine in the first few days after UroLift treatment. Some patients experience a degree of pelvic discomfort after their procedure, and taking over the counter painkillers can help to manage this.

You should avoid heavy lifting and any kind of strenuous exercise for period of around a week, when you should be able to return to your normal daily activities. The nature of the job you do and how quickly you recover from your UroLift will determine when you can return to work, but generally this will be within a week of the procedure.

*National Institute for Health and Care Excellence