Urolift

What is involved in the Urolift procedure?

Your prostate gland surrounds your urethra as it exits the bladder. When it enlarges (BPH), it can obstruct the urine flow. The Urolift procedure entails placing implants into your prostate using a telescope inserted through your bladder. These implants, depicted in the images, are positioned between the inner and outer surfaces of the prostate. Their role is to pull the obstructing prostate lobes away from your urethra. Within three months, they become integrated into the prostate tissue, becoming invisible in your bladder.A/Prof Homi Zargar, performs this procedure at Melbourne western suburbs (Western private hospital) and at Epworth, Richmond.

Urolift main points

Key Points:

• The Urolift® procedure involves utilizing a telescope through your urethra and inserting two to four (or more) implants into your prostate to displace the obstructing tissue from your urethra.

  • Its purpose is to enhance urinary flow without the necessity of burning or removing any prostate tissue.

  • Typically, a catheter is not required after this procedure.

  • Sexual side-effects like retrograde (dry) ejaculation or erectile dysfunction (impotence) are exceedingly rare.

  • A small number of men undergoing this surgery may necessitate further treatment at a later stage.

The main benefits of this procedure, in comparison to other surgical treatments for prostate enlargement, include a brief hospital stay, a minimally invasive (minor) procedure, and the absence of sexual side effects such as retrograde (dry) ejaculation or erectile dysfunction (impotence).

A/Prof H.Zargar can assess whether the size and shape of your prostate make you a suitable candidate for this procedure. However, it may not be suitable for all men with prostate enlargement. The accompanying images illustrate the appearance of obstructing prostate tissue before and after the procedure.

surgery

What occurs on the day of the procedure?

A/Prof Homi Zargar will discuss the surgery once again to ensure your understanding and obtain your consent. An anesthetist will meet with you to explore the options of a general or spinal anesthetic and discuss post-procedure pain relief.

Details of the procedure:

• Depending on individual circumstances, the procedure is typically conducted under either general or local anesthesia.

• Before the procedure, antibiotics are administered after confirming the absence of allergies.

• A telescope is inserted into your bladder through the urethra.

• Using a specialized applicator under direct vision, several implants are placed into your prostate through the telescope.

• Usually, there is no need for a catheter in your bladder after the procedure, which typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

After-Effects and Risks of the Procedure:

• Temporary Burning and Stinging:

  • Risk: 1 in 3 patients (34%)

  • Duration: May last for 5 to 7 days

• Temporary Bleeding in Urine:

  • Risk: 1 in 4 patients (26%)

  • Duration: May last for 5 to 7 days

• Pelvic Pain or Discomfort:

  • Risk: Between 1 in 5 & 1 in 6 patients (18%)

• Need for Further Treatment within 5 Years:

  • Risk: Between 1 in 7 & 1 in 8 patients (13%)

• Urgency (Sudden Need to Pass Urine):

  • Risk: 1 in 12 patients (7%)

• Temporary Urge Incontinence:

  • Risk: 1 in 25 patients (4%)

• Inability to Pass Urine (Retention) Requiring Catheter:

  • Risk: Between 1 in 20 & 1 in 35 patients (3 to 5%)

• Urinary Infection Requiring Antibiotics:

  • Risk: Between 1 in 30 & 1 in 35 patients (3%)

• Encrustation (Stone Formation) on the Implant(s) Requiring Later Removal:

  • Risk: Less than 1 in 100 patients (< 1%)

• Anaesthetic or Cardiovascular Problems (Possibly Requiring Intensive Care):

  • Risk: Between 1 in 50 & 1 in 250 patients (Your anaesthetist can estimate your individual risk)