Besides causing a rapid improvement in symptoms, the UroLift procedure has the added benefit of preserving sexual function.
That said, for some patients who undergo this treatment, BPH symptoms eventually return.
What Is the Prostate?
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Theprostateis a walnut-sized gland in men located below the bladder.
It surrounds the urethra.
What Is the UroLift Procedure?
The UroLift procedure takes less than an hour and is performed in aurologist’soffice underlocal anesthesia.
At the start of the procedure, the urologist inserts a special machine into the patient’s urethra.
When the rig reaches the prostate, it releases multiple small implants.
These implants “lift” or push away prostate tissue that is blocking the urethra.
As a result, the urethra is widened, allowing urine to pass easily out of the body.
Surgery is often considered if medication fails or if a patient cannot tolerate its side effects.
TURP entails removing pieces of the enlarged prostate gland using an electric current delivered through a wire loop.
The surgery is done undergeneral anesthesia, and most men stay overnight in the hospital afterward.
While effective, side effects of TURP include bleeding, urination problems, and erectile/ejaculatory dysfunction.
UroLift may be preferred because it is less invasive and does not affect sexual function.
Location
A UroLift is performed by a urologist in their office.
Plan to arrive around 30 to 60 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time.
What to Wear
You will need to change into a hospital gown for your procedure.
Therefore, it’s best to wear clothes that are easy to remove.
After midnight the evening before your UroLift, avoid eating or drinking entirely.
Your doctor may prescribe you an antibiotic to begin taking the day before your procedure.
Arrange to have someone drive you home afterward.
Knowing what to expect from start to finish will hopefully help ease your mind a bit.
Your urologist will then likely come to greet you and briefly review the steps of the procedure with you.
You may need to sign a consent form at this time.
Next, a nurse will ask you to lie back on the exam table.
You may notice some burning at the tip of your penis or a stinging sensation when you urinate.
Once you urinate, you will get dressed and be sent home to recover.
If you are having trouble urinating after the procedure, your doctor may insert another catheter in your bladder.
Some patients go home with this catheter to help them void.
All of this is normal and should resolve within two to four weeks.
Some doctors recommend a week of lighter activity and avoiding sex for a week.
These are usually followed by annual visits.
That said, the procedure may not be right or permanent for everyone.
Keep in mind that urologists may be specially trained in certain procedures.
As such, you may want to seek out more than one opinion before making a final decision.
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McVary KT.Patient education: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Beyond the Basics).
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Urology Times.UroLift System Treatment: Expert Panel Discussion.
