The UroLift System is a minimally invasive treatment designed to alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a condition characterised by an enlarged prostate gland which can obstruct the flow of urine. Unlike traditional surgical options, UroLift involves the placement of small implants to hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, thus relieving urinary symptoms without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue.
Understanding the UroLift Procedure
UroLift surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia. It involves the insertion of small, permanent implants into the prostate. These implants lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, allowing urine to flow more freely. The procedure is usually quick, taking about an hour.
Immediate Post-Procedure Recovery
Immediately following the UroLift procedure, patients can expect to return home the same day. It's common to experience urinary discomfort, including urgency, frequency, blood in urine, and mild pelvic pain or burning when urinating. These symptoms are generally temporary and should improve within the first two to four weeks after the procedure. Regular paracetamol or non-steroidal, unless contraindicated in the initial period, helps.
When can I return to work after having BPH UroLift Surgery?
Depending on your work, if you work from home, you can get back within three days.
If you have an office-based job and wish to return to work as soon as possible, you must be prepared for frequent visits to the bathroom for the first couple of weeks.
Avoid strenuous activities for at least one week.
When can I have sexual intercourse after UroLift surgery?
You should avoid strenuous activity and sex for about two weeks.
Short-term Side Effects from UroLift Implant Surgery
- Urinary pain
- Blood in the urine
- Pelvic pain
- Urgent need to urinate
- Increased frequency of urination
These symptoms typically resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for the first week following the procedure to minimise discomfort and complications.
Long-term Recovery
Most patients notice improvement in their urinary symptoms within two to six weeks post-procedure. However, the full benefits of UroLift may not be realised until about three months after the procedure.
Follow-up Care
Follow-up visits are crucial to monitoring recovery and the effectiveness of the treatment. These visits typically occur within the first month, at three months, and then annually. The healthcare provider may conduct urinary flow tests and symptom score assessments during these visits and check for potential complications.
Effectiveness and Patient Satisfaction
Studies have shown that the UroLift procedure can significantly improve the symptoms of BPH. According to clinical trials, patients treated with UroLift reported a 36% improvement in their urinary symptoms based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) compared to baseline scores. Additionally, the quality of life scores improved by 50% post-treatment.
Long-term Outcomes
Long-term data suggests that UroLift implants can provide durable symptom relief. A five-year study showed that patients maintained a significant improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life, with a low re-treatment rate (13.6%).
Urolift is safe but has risks and complications.
While UroLift is generally considered safe, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These may include:
- Infection
- Blood in urine
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary incontinence
- Need for re-treatment
However, these complications are relatively rare and are generally less severe than those associated with traditional surgical treatments for BPH.
Urologist opinion about UroLift surgery
Recovery from the UroLift procedure is typically quick and associated with minimal discomfort. Most patients can expect to experience significant improvement in urinary symptoms within a few weeks, with continued improvements over the following months.
Not everyone is eligible for UroLift; patients must follow their healthcare provider's recommendations.
