Men’s health topics are important to discuss with a doctor, but for many it is difficult to have these conversations with their health care provider. Washington University urologic surgeons answer questions about Urolift procedures.
The FDA-cleared Urolift System is the only treatment that uses the Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) procedure. The Urolift System treatment is a proven, minimally invasive approach for treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that can get men off BPH medications and avoid major surgery. The Urolift System’s permanent implants, delivered during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, relieve prostate obstruction and open the urethra directly without cutting, heating or removing prostate tissue.
Even when oral medications are effective at improving a man’s force of stream and overall voiding pattern, many men would consider the outpatient Urolift as an alternative to taking 1 to 2 medications a day. For men who are not satisfied with the degree of improvement with oral medications, studies demonstrate that the Urolift provides a better increase in a man’s urinary flow rate, and a decrease in urinary frequency and residual urine in the bladder after voiding.
Yes, but there is a good chance you will discontinue the BPH medication due to the success of the Urolift procedure. Your doctor will recommend when it is the right time to stop your medications.
After the treatment, patients typically go home the same day without a catheter. There is minimal downtime post-treatment and many patients experience symptom relief immediately, but some will take two to four weeks to experience relief. The most common side effects may include blood in the urine, pain or discomfort when urinating, increased urge to go and discomfort in the pelvis that typically resolve within two to four weeks after the procedure.
The Urolift System treatment is covered by Medicare and many private insurers. Dr. Bullock’s staff are experienced in obtaining pre-certification from your insurance provider for your procedure.
There are over 25 peer-reviewed publications demonstrating the Urolift System is safe and effective. Improvement in urinary symptoms, as seen through reduction in IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), has been consistent across the various studies, showing rapid relief in as early as two weeks and sustained effect to five years.
Currently, over 175,000 patients have been treated worldwide with sustained effect studied out to 5 years.
In the clinical studies, the most common side effects reported were mild to moderate, and include pain or burning with urination, blood in the urine, pelvic pain, urgent need to urinate and/or the inability to control the urge. Most symptoms resolved within two to four weeks after the procedure.
Washington University Urology can provide Urolift procedure options. Meet our specialist below.
Arnold Bullock, MD
Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor in Urology