UroLift® prostate treatment

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland at the base of the bladder in men. As men age, it often grows larger. An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), is common and usually not serious, but it can cause symptoms that affect everyday life.

As the prostate enlarges, it can press on the bladder and urethra, affecting urine flow and causing a weak stream, frequent trips to the toilet, or the feeling of not fully emptying the bladder. 

What is UroLift® prostate treatment?

UroLift® is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves urinary symptoms by lifting and holding excess prostate tissue out of the way, widening the urethra.

Small implants are inserted through a cystoscope — a thin telescope passed through the urethra — to gently hold the prostate lobes apart.

Unlike traditional surgery, tissue is not removed. This helps improve urinary function while aiming to preserve sexual function and quality of life.

Signs of needing a UroLift® prostate treatment

A UroLift® procedure may be considered if your urinary symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life. You might consider UroLift® prostate treatment if you notice:

• Difficulty passing urine, a weak flow, or urine that stops and starts
• Feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied fully
• Frequent trips to the toilet, especially at night
• The sudden urge to urinate
• Discomfort or pain while urinating

If your symptoms interfere with daily activities or are not relieved by lifestyle changes or medications, a prostate UroLift® treatment may be an option.

Benefits of UroLift® prostate treatment

The procedure is designed to:

• Improve urine flow and reduce the need to strain
• Reduce urinary frequency, urgency, and night-time trips to the toilet
• Avoid the removal of prostate tissue
• Maintain sexual function, including ejaculatory and erectile function
• Minimise recovery time compared with traditional prostate surgery

Is UroLift® prostate treatment right for you?

UroLift® may be suitable depending on your symptoms, prostate size, and overall health. It’s often recommended for men who are sexually active or planning a family, as it usually preserves sexual function.

It’s most appropriate for moderately enlarged prostates without significant urine retention and can sometimes be done under local anaesthetic, making it an option for men unable to have general anaesthesia. Your consultant will advise whether UroLift® is the right choice for you.

Alternative treatments to UroLift® prostate treatment

If your symptoms are mild, you may choose not to have treatment. Other options include:

• Medication — tablets that relax the prostate muscle or gradually shrink the prostate
• Transurethral reduction of the prostate (TURP) — a traditional procedure that removes prostate tissue via the urethra
• Minimally invasive treatments — such as steam therapy (Rezum®) or water jet ablation (Aquablation/Aquabeam®)
• Laser surgery — removes prostate tissue through the urethra
• Open surgery — rarely performed, typically for very large prostates
• Catheter use — permanent or intermittent, for patients unable to have surgery

Before the UroLift® procedure starts, a small drip (a thin, flexible tube inserted into a vein) may be inserted into your arm. A local anaesthetic gel will be applied to your urethra to reduce any discomfort. In some cases, other anaesthetic options will be used.

Then, a very small telescope will be inserted into your urethra (tube through which urine leaves your body) and used to examine your prostate, urethra and bladder. The UroLift® system will then be passed through the telescope.

Next, small implants will be inserted into the prostate to hold back excess prostate tissue. The number of implants needed varies depending on the size of the prostate. However, on average, 4–5 implants are inserted.

If there is bleeding due to your procedure, a catheter — a thin, flexible drainage tube for your urine — will be inserted into your urethra.

It takes around one hour to complete the procedure. If you have a local anaesthetic, you should be able to eat and drink after 1–2 hours, and return home after you have passed urine.

Before the procedure

Pre-admission form

You’ll complete a form about your medical history, medications, allergies and home support. This helps the team plan your care.

Pre-admission clinic (if needed)

Some patients may be asked to come in a few days before surgery for tests such as blood tests or X-rays.

Medication

Bring all your medicines, including over-the-counter or herbal remedies. Your care team will advise if anything should be stopped or adjusted.

Day of treatment

Admission and pre-surgery checks

We’ll confirm your details, medications, and allergies, and take routine observations. You’ll meet your consultant and anaesthetist to discuss the procedure and anaesthetic options, and sign an informed consent form.

Signing the informed consent form means you understand what your procedure and recovery involve, the risks, complications and outcomes, as well as alternative treatment options and, importantly, agree to the procedure. 

Removal of clothing

You’ll change into a hospital gown and disposable underwear so the team can work safely. Staff are on hand to support you if you feel anxious or have questions.

Food and drink

Current guidance allows shorter fasting (ie not eating and drinking for a set period), and you may be able to sip small amounts of water before your procedure. Following your admission instructions helps your surgery run smoothly and avoid delays.

The operation

Who will be involved?

Your procedure will be carried out by a Consultant Urologist, that is, a consultant who specialises in treating the urinary system. Your skilled care team will include an anaesthetist and nurses who will support you before, during, and after your surgery.

How long does the procedure take?

The UroLift® procedure usually takes around 1 hour to complete.

Anaesthetic choices

UroLift® is usually done under local anaesthetic, numbing the urethra while you stay awake. Sedation, regional, or general anaesthesia may also be used. Your anaesthetist will discuss the best option for you before surgery.

Pain during surgery and straight after UroLift® surgery

Most patients experience little or no pain during the procedure. After surgery, mild bladder discomfort is common, particularly when urinating. However, any discomfort is usually temporary.

Your hospital stay

After the procedure, you will spend some time in the recovery area while nurses monitor your vital signs and comfort.

Most patients can pass urine within 6–12 hours, though a temporary catheter is occasionally needed. UroLift® is usually a day case procedure, so you can go home the same day. In some cases, you may stay overnight, depending on your health and the type of anaesthetic used. 

Most patients notice improvements in urinary symptoms within a few days, though it can take several weeks for the full effect.

Short-term side effects

You may experience temporary discomfort, burning, or urgency when passing urine. Blood in the urine is common for a few days. These side effects usually settle within a week.

After the operation

In the first 24 hours, rest and follow the nursing team’s guidance. You may feel tired if you had sedation or a general anaesthetic. Once home, continue to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and gradually return to normal activities.

Wound care

There are no external wounds, as the procedure is performed entirely through the tip of the penis.

Sexual activity

You can usually resume sexual activity within a few days of the operation.

Pain relief

Mild pain or discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, as recommended by your doctor.

Smoking

Avoid smoking during recovery to support healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Driving
Do not drive for at least 24 hours if you have had sedation or a general anaesthetic. Always ensure you feel alert and safe before driving.

Time off work

Most patients return to work within a few days, depending on their recovery and the physical demands of their job.

What you should/shouldn’t do

Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for a few weeks. Follow your doctor’s guidance for a safe return to exercise and other regular activities.

Like any procedure, UroLift® carries some risks, but serious complications are uncommon.

Typical issues include: 

• Infection, urinary retention requiring a catheter, or narrowing of the urethra (low risk)
• Mild bleeding or burning when passing urine, usually settling within a few days
• Small risk of changes to erections, though sexual function is usually preserved
• Symptoms may return in a few cases, requiring further treatment
• Temporary urinary urgency or slight leakage — generally improves over weeks