Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. Over 70% of men in their 60s have BPH symptoms, so it is very common. While BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can greatly affect a man's quality of life
The prostate is a male reproductive gland, about the size of a walnut, that produces fluid for semen. The prostate surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As the prostate enlarges, it presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms such as:
- Frequent need to urinate both day and night
- Weak or slow urinary stream
- A sense that you cannot completely empty your bladder
- Difficulty or delay in starting urination
- Urgent feeling of needing to urinate
- A urinary stream that stops and starts
If you suffer from the above symptoms, you are not alone. BPH is one of the leading reasons for men to visit a urologist.
What is the UroLift® System?
The UroLift® System treatment is a minimally-invasive approach to treating an enlarged prostate, that lifts or holds the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra. There is no cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue.
In fact, the procedure can be done in-office at PCI. Which also means (depending on your insurance coverage) you could pay as little as just a copay for this procedure!
Clinical data has shown that the UroLift System treatment is safe and effective in relieving lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH, without compromising sexual function. The goal of the UroLift System treatment is to relieve symptoms so you can get back to your life and resume your daily activities.
Most common side effects are light blood in the urine, some pain or discomfort when urinating, some increased urge to go and discomfort in the pelvis. These typically resolve within two to four weeks after the procedure.
Advantages of the UroLift System
- Rapid symptom relief, better than reported for medications
- Risk profile better than reported for surgical procedures such as TURP
- Preservation of sexual function
- Return to normal activity in days not months
- Increased quality of life
- No ongoing BPH medications
- 19 clinical study publications; 4 years published clinical data
How UroLift® works
The UroLift® treatment is a straightforward procedure that is performed by a urologist. The urologist places tiny implants to hold the prostate lobes apart, like open curtains on a window, to relieve compression on the urethra. This allows urine to flow normally again. The UroLift® treatment can be done in the physician’s office under local anesthesia
Typically, patients return home the same day without a catheter. There is minimal downtime post-treatment and many patients experience symptom relief as early as 2 weeks afterward. Patients may experience some urinary discomfort during the recovery period. The most common side effects may include light blood in the urine, some pain or discomfort when urinating, some increased urge to go and discomfort in the pelvis that typically resolve within two to four weeks after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will having the UroLift® treatment affect my sexual function? Sexual function has been preserved among the hundreds of patients treated in our clinical studies. This is a unique benefit of the UroLift® treatment compared with other BPH therapies, such as TURP, laser, and even medication.
Is the treatment permanent? The UroLift® implant is a permanent implant, and the treatment is intended to be permanent. Durability has been shown to at least 4 years in U.S. clinical data* and results will continue to be published as follow-ups continue. One unique aspect of the UroLift® System is that it does not preclude retreatment or other BPH treatments, should that be needed and desired in the future
What happens if the implants need to be removed? The implant is made up of standard surgical implantable materials: a nitinol capsular tab, a stainless steel urethral tab, and polyester suture that holds the two tabs together. Your doctor can simply remove the implant, if needed. The suture can be cut and the urethral endpiece can be retrieved with a standard grasper. The capsular tab will remain outside the prostate capsule in place,
How do I find out if my health plan covers UroLift®? The first step is to make an appointment with your urologist to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the treatment. Your physician’s office staff can work with you and your health plan to learn more about your healthcare benefits specific to the UroLift® implant procedure.
Does Medicare cover the UroLift®? Yes, all Medicare carriers provide benefits for UroLift® when medically necessary. Discuss UroLift® with your physician to determine if the UroLift® treatment is an option for you.
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