Prostate problems usually start showing by means of urinary pain, less strength of the urine stream, an increase in the frequency of the need to urinate, or with urinary hesitancy. After going to a routine visit to check the prostate, there is a chance that the doctor confirms there has been a prostate enlargement. Such growth commonly occurs at the age of 40, so it is vital to keep control in order to know whether it is a case of benign growth (which is known as “benign prostatic hyperplasia” or BPH), or it is a case of malign growth (in which case we are facing a cancer). Today we are going to talk about one of the most innovative techniques for the benign prostatic hyperplasia: the Urolift. What is it exactly? We will explain it now.

What is the Urolift technique?

The Urolift is a minimally invasive treatment that consists of unblocking the urethra by lifting off the enlarged prostatic tissue with small staples. This is an outpatient procedure through which the doctor will put an implant that will clip the tissue of the prostate lobes. Thus, the prostate will remain open to let the urine pass through. The implant functions as a paperclip that opens the prostate as if it were a curtain separated in two parts. Normally, only two or four staples are needed (one or two on each side), although this may vary depending on the prostate size. It is a minimally invasive procedure because the surgeon does not make any cut or incision; he does not apply electrical currents and there is no prostatic tissue resection.

In which cases is it recommended?

It is necessary to go to an urologist as soon as there is a benign prostatic growth. He will explain all the options you have depending on the particularities of your case. The Urolift system is recommended for prostates of less than 60 grams, although the best results are found in prostates below 50 grams. In order to know the size of your prostate, it is necessary to perform a sonography examination.

Usually, the Urolift technique is the option for those patients who have followed a drug treatment that did not work. It is also the option for people unable to undergo a major surgery procedure, such as the transurethral resection of the　prostate　(TURP) among others. The Urolift is also recommended if the patient does not want to take drugs or when he is looking for a minimally invasive technique that will not harm his sexual functionality.

Can it be repeated in the future if there are new symptoms?

Yes, this treatment can be used more than once. However, if the symptoms of a benign prostatic hyperplasia reappear over the years, it is vital to go to an urologist so he can perform new tests and determine whether the Urolift treatment is appropriate or whether you need to go a step further and think about other options such as the laser procedure.

Advantages of the Urolift over other surgeries

1. Results are immediate. Your surgeon will be able to verify that the urethral obstruction has disappeared just after finishing the surgical intervention. In most cases, the patient will experience an almost immediate relief from symptoms.
2. Postoperative recovery is easy and comfortable because the Urolift system is an outpatient procedure, therefore, the patient can leave the hospital the same day of the surgery.
3. Surgical risks are minimal: the intervention lasts only 20 minutes in the hands of experienced surgeons who master the Urolift technique. Besides, the patient will not be exposed to complications or to higher risks because it is a minimally invasive technique.
4. With the Urolift, there are not the typical side effects of traditional prostate surgeries. Furthermore, this technique fully preserves the sexual function of the patient, who will be able to resume his sexual relationships two weeks after the surgery. Also, there will be an improvement of his quality of life.

According to Dr Fernández Arjona, Urolift expert with maximum experience in Europe: “My experience is that this system is a major innovation with huge benefits for my patients.”

Side effects?

According to several clinical studies, nowadays the most common side effects are hematuria, dysuria, urgent urination, pelvic pain and urge incontinence. The aforementioned studies also point that most of these symptoms are considered mild in severity and are solved after two to four weeks after the intervention.

Do you suffer from prostate or urinary problems? Have you been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia and do you want a second opinion? Make an appointment with our Team and we will answer all your questions.