All about UroLift

Here, in one of our latest medical articles, highly revered consultant urologist, Mr Aniruddha Chakravarti, discusses UroLift in expert detail, including what it is, and when it should be recommended to patients.

What is UroLift?

UroLift is a procedure in which implants are inserted in the urethra to hold the lateral prostate lobes apart and make a wider channel for the bladder outflow.

When is UroLift recommended?

We would like to recommend UroLift quite early in the process. BPH is a progressive process that happens in one in three men over the age of 50. In some people, the prostate enlarges inward towards the bladder, which obstructs the channel.

It is an extremely slowly progressive condition. The obstruction can affect the bladder severely, but patients don’t notice the condition until their bladder becomes obstructed. In these cases, the bladder thickens and starts to work quicker. Symptoms such as increased frequency, urge continence, and bladder irritability occur as a result of this bladder obstruction and dysfunction.

Retention of urine can also occur as a result. A catheter needs to be inserted in these cases. In other cases, some urine is retained, which puts pressure on the kidneys. Urinary tract infections are also highly common in such cases. If we can intercept quite early on, when patients present with symptoms such as discomfort or an increased frequency, then UroLift works best.

What are some alternatives to UroLift?

Receptor drugs are the main alternative. These can lead to retrograde ejaculation, but some men accept this due to the fact that this allows them to avoid surgery. A UroLift prevents sexual dysfunction in men, which makes it the most attractive treatment option.

What is the success rate of UroLift?

This depends on what sort of prostate problem is being treated. We have to evaluate the patient’s bladder, considering the size of the prostate and the extent of the bladder’s outflow obstruction. If applied in the right way, UroLift has a success rate of between 70 to 80 per cent.

What can be expected from a UroLift?

There is some pelvic discomfort and frequent urination. There can be minimal amounts of blood in the urine too for the first couple of weeks after the operation, which is to be expected.