Is UroLift the Right Solution for Symptoms of BPH?
According to statistics, approximately half of all men over the age of 50 develop urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Most know this condition as an enlarged prostate. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra just below the bladder, enlargement of this small gland can lead to lower urinary tract symptoms such as weak or slow urine stream, getting up at night to urinate, an urgent need to urinate, and the potential for accidental urination. To reduce lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH, patients may be prescribed medications or surgery. Patients of our Chattanooga office may have the option of improving quality of life with an innovative, drug-free solution without any sexual side effects: UroLift.
The UroLift is a prostatic urethral lift procedure that is performed in the office or in the operating room. There is no cutting or reduction of prostatic tissue. As the name implies, the purpose of the UroLift is to reposition the enlarged glandular tissue so it no longer compresses the urethra. While the treatment does not require general anesthesia in most cases, patient comfort is prioritized for this office procedure. Before the lift begins, patients receive a local anesthetic. A sedative may also be administered, so patients may need to arrange to have a loved one drive them to their appointment.
After UroLift treatment, men may experience mild to moderate discomfort for a few days. Potential side effects include mild swelling, pelvic pain, and a temporary strong urge to urinate. Recommendations to manage these side effects can be made at the time of treatment or during our initial consultation. By the end of the first week, comfort should be significantly improved. Pelvic pain can take up to three weeks to completely resolve. However, this should not inhibit most normal activities.
During recovery, patients should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and prolonged sitting. Men can expect that they feel the need to urinate more frequently and urgently than usual. This is managed with medications after the procedure and usually resolves after a few weeks. A month after the procedure, men who are on medications to manage their urinary symptoms/BPH can discontinue them since the Urolift will be effective from then on.
Clinical data demonstrate that men treated with UroLift often experience a rapid and noticeable improvement in urine flow and other symptoms. In a randomized controlled study of 206 patients, men reported improvement without any decrease in sexual function.
Learn more about UroLift and other treatments for symptoms related to benign prostate hyperplasia. Call our Chattanooga office at (423) 778-4MEN (4636) to schedule a consultation with men’s health and microsurgery specialist Dr. Shridharani.
