Urolift

What condition is treated with UroLift?

UroLift is an innovative device used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. It’s common to have BPH because your prostate slowly increases in size throughout your adult life.

As the prostate enlarges, it squeezes the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of your body. Eventually, men develop symptoms such as frequent urination, urinary urgency, and trouble starting to urinate. Many patients first notice BPH when they wake up numerous times throughout the night needing to use the bathroom.

How does UroLift work?

The UroLift device allows urine to flow freely by moving the prostate away from the urethra. Unlike other BPH treatments, the UroLift does not remove or destroy prostatic tissue. Instead, it uses small, painless implants to slightly compress the prostate, holding the tissue away from the urethra and eliminating the blockage.

Once they’re inserted, the UroLift implants are meant to stay in place permanently, but they can be removed if needed.

Will UroLift affect my sexual function?

You should not have any sexual side effects after the UroLift implants are in place. Studies show that UroLift does not cause new problems such as erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation that are associated with other procedures such as a TURP.

How is the UroLift inserted?

Your UroLift is most often inserted in the office under local anesthesia. Your doctor might also recommend oral sedation to help you relax if needed. No incision is made because the doctor inserts the scope through the urethra then guides it to the prostate.

Once the UroLift delivery device is in place, your doctor deploys the implants. The entire procedure takes 5-15 minutes, then, after a short period, you can go home. In most cases, you won’t need a catheter and downtime is minimal.

You could experience some discomfort while urinating or slight pelvic discomfort for 2-4 weeks after the UroLift is inserted. Most patients find that their symptoms are gone within about two weeks.

If you ever need an MRI after the UroLift is inserted, it’s important to let your doctor know about the implant. It can only be subjected to MRI scanning under specific conditions.

If you suffer from difficulty urinating due to BPH, call Pacific Northwest Urology Specialists or book an appointment online.