How Does The UroLift System Work?

The UroLift System uses a revolutionary approach to treating BPH that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue so it no longer blocks the urethra. It is the only BPH treatment performed by a urologist that does not require heating, cutting, or removal of the prostate tissue. The procedure is performed using short generall anesthesia in a day surgery center. Patients typically return home the same day without a catheter.

Benefits of the UroLift System include:

• Does not cause new onset, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction*

• Minimally invasive

• Minimal downtime

• Durable results

• Rapid symptom relief and recovery

• Significant improvement in quality of life

As with any medical procedure, individual results may vary. Most common side effects are 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 of these side effects resolve within two to four weeks after the procedure.

What are the Pros and Cons of Urolift Surgery for Enlarged Prostate?

Urolift vs Medications

Urolift can often replace medications with similar or better efficacy.  Urolift wins on convenience as it’s a one-time procedure.

 For some men, Urolift does not work sufficiently well to replace medications.  Many men may derive greater benefit from using medications in addition to Urolift and experience better flow and fewer urinary symptoms.

Urolift vs TUPR, Greenlight Laser or Prostate Enucleation

When it comes to comparing Urolift vs TURP, the pros of the Urolift procedure include fast recovery, no sexual side effects (no effect on ejaculation), and the ability to perform it as a day case procedure.

The cons of Urolift compared to TURP is that improvement in symptoms is typically not as good as it is with TURP, in particular for men with larger prostates. 

There is a fundamental trade-off between minimally invasive treatment such as Urolift and surgery such as TURP or laser ablation of the prostate.  A minimally invasive procedure such as Urolift offers a quick benefit with minimal risks, few side effects, and fast recovery but is less effective than surgical procedures such as TURP, Greenlight Laser, HoLEP, prostate enucleation, or vaporization of the prostate.