Using implants, the UroLift® system provides an alternative to drugs or major surgery to treat an enlarged prostate. It opens up the blocked urethra by lifting the enlarged prostate out of the way without any cutting, heating or removal of the tissue.
Why you might need it
If you’ve been suffering from an enlarged prostate or BHP (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: a non-cancerous growth of the prostate, which causes it to enlarge and press on the urethra) you’ve probably been experiencing urinary problems, such as:
- The frequent need to go to the toilet
- An urgent feeling of needing to urinate
- Delay or difficulty on starting urination
- Feeling that you can’t completely empty your bladder
- A stream that starts and stops and is weak
For some men, the symptoms will be mild, but for others the symptoms can have a detrimental affect on their lives, requiring them to seek treatment.
UroLift® is a new, minimally invasive treatment we offer at Spire to help open up the blocked urethra using inserted implants to lift or hold up the prostate tissue. It does not involve cutting, heating or removing any of the tissue, which can have long term side effects on erectile function and urinary incontinence.
The implants are made from surgical stainless steel, which resists corrosion and allows them to be permanent.
UroLift® doesn’t require an overnight stay and you can typically return to normal daily activities soon after treatment. It’s the only procedure for BHP that preserves sexual functions.
Find a Spire hospital offering this treatment
Who will do it?
Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.
All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.
Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.
Before your treatment
You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we may suggest medication to relax the muscles around the bladder or shrink the prostate. We may also consider TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) either by laser or traditional surgery.
Preparing for your treatment
We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.
For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.
Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
The procedure
We understand that having surgery can potentially be a time of anxiety and worry. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you every step of the way.
UroLift® is performed under a local anaesthetic or light general anaesthetic. It typically lasts 30-45 minutes.
The urologist uses an endoscope to insert the UroLift® system into the urethra through the tip of the penis. The urologist then 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.
Typically, four implants are placed in the prostate; two on each side to adequately pull the gland back but this is dependent on the size of the prostate and the location of the enlargement.
Aftercare
The operation is usually carried out as a day-case, so you won't need to stay overnight in hospital and can normally return home the same day without a catheter.
After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
Pain relief
Patients may experience some urinary discomfort during the recovery period.
We'll give you pain relief while you’re in hospital and when you go home.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Patients can return to normal activity as soon as they feel confident to do so and many experience relief from around two weeks post-operation.
Looking after you
Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. Your consultant is likely to want to see you six weeks after your operation to see how you’re doing.
On rare occasions, complications following UroLift® can occur. These can include: haematuria, dysuria, micturition urgency, pelvic pain and urge incontinence. If you experience any of related symptoms discussed by with your consultant, please call us straight away.
We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns we’re ready to help.
Why choose Spire?
We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.
Important to note
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.