Ask the expert: UroLift® prostate treatment for urinary difficulties

It’s really important for men to be able to speak openly about their health concerns, and to gain the courage to do something about any outstanding symptoms and conditions.

We spoke with Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Spire London East Hospital, about common urinary difficulties and he brought our attention to the UroLift® prostate treatment, which provides an alternative to drugs or major surgery to treat an enlarged prostate. Here is what Professor Chinegwundoh said about it:

"UroLift® is an attractive option for men with an enlarged prostate gland (also known as BPH), who are experiencing urinary difficulties. It is suitable for most men where tablets are not effective in improving the urinary flow. 

"As men age, commonly, the gland called the prostate, which sits under the bladder and has a space in the middle for the urine to pass through, enlarges and squeezes the urethra or ‘waterpipe’. This enlargement is called benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). Men may experience a slow urinary flow and a need to pass urine more frequently, including at night.

"The UroLift® procedure is an innovative way of dealing with the prostate gland; it does not require any cutting of the prostate or any removal of tissue. It is what we term ‘minimally invasive’.  It may even be done under local anaesthesia.

"The urologist places tiny implants to hold the prostate lobes apart, like open curtains on a window, to relieve the compression on the urethra. This allows the urine to flow normally again.

"There are certain advantages to UroLift® over other methods of treating the enlarged prostate. It does not cause any new problems with erections or with ejaculation.  Thus, fertility is not impaired and a normal sex life continues. Furthermore, it is a day case procedure and a catheter is not necessary. The procedure only takes 20 minutes, which is shorter than other operations, with a short recovery time. It generally takes two weeks for the symptoms of BPH to improve. 

"Clinical data has shown that the UroLift® system is effective in relieving urinary symptoms due to BPH, and the effect is durable.

"Possible side effects include passing some blood in the urine, a burning sensation while passing urine, urgency and pelvic pain. Most symptoms are mild to moderate and settle in two to four weeks."

Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE is an established Consultant Urological Surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in the NHS and private practice. He has particular expertise in prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, and has wide experience in core urology procedures, including transurethral surgery of prostate and bladder. 

Professor Chinegwundoh MBE holds clinics at Spire London East Hospital alternate Friday mornings. To book an appointment call our Private Patient Executives on 020 8709 7817 or enquire here.

The content of this article is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the professional medical advice of your doctor or other health care professional.