Urolift

UROLIFT

Overview

UroLift is a new minimally invasive treatment for men who suffer urinary symptoms related to BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate enlargement). Also known as an enlarged prostate treatment.

The UroLift system opens the prostatic urethra (the pipe which passes through the centre of the prostate) thus relieving obstruction.

The system involves the insertion of small permanent implants which are inserted with the aid of a cystoscope or small camera. The implants work by pulling the lateral lobes of the prostate outwards creating a passage in the middle of an obstructed prostate.

Pre UroLift Implant

Post UroLift Implant

Advantages of a UroLift

• UroLift is a unique enlarged prostates treatment in that there are no reported cases of erectile dysfunction nor any change in ejaculatory function with the treatment. In the majority of individuals there is no catheter inserted and patients can head home on the same day.

Disadvantages of a UroLift

• UroLift is a relatively new treatment and as a results the is no long term outcome data available UroLift was introduced commercially in Australia in July 2013. I performed the first UroLift implant in Queensland in August 2013.

Traditionally enlarged prostate treatments (BPH treatments) have included medications or surgery. Commonly used medications include alpha blockers or 5 alpha reductase inhibitors in isolation or in combination. Side effects or inadequate relief from urinary symptoms prompts many men to discontinue treatment early and progress to alternative therapies, including surgery.

Transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP can results in a significant improvement in urinary function but is associated with around a 20% morbidity rate. This includes incontinence, strictures, erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction. 

GreenLight laser therapy (GLP) has, in my practice, superseded TURP to the point that I have not performed a TURP since May 2008. GLP has, in my hands and in international multicentre trials demonstrated outcomes that are as good as TURP but with fewer side effects. Admission times are reduced, catheterisation times decreased and bleeding related complications are an extremely rare occurrence.

The Prostatic Urethral Lift works by holding the lateral lobes of the prostate apart thus improving the voiding channel resulting in a significant improvement in a man’s urinary function. The benefit of UroLift appears to be significantly stronger than medical therapies whilst potentially avoiding some of the complications associated with surgery. In particular, there is minimal or no bleeding, no reported cases of retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.

The procedure is typically performed under a light general anaesthetic in day surgery. A small camera (cystoscope) is used to allow the implants to be inserted under direct vision. The procedure takes around 30 minutes to perform and men are allowed to be discharged home later the same day after voiding (emptying their bladder). Following the treatment men can expect an improvement in the stream and pressure related symptoms initially, followed by an improvement in bladder related symptoms. Minor blood stained urine and dysuria (stinging) is to be expected for a few days.

The potential benefits to UroLift include the avoidance of side effects from medication, a more sustained improvement in urinary function and the avoidance of sexual related complications.

At the time of updating the site Dr Chabert has the largest experience with UroLift in the state of Queensland and one of the largest series in Australia. He is a recognized trainer in this technique mentoring other surgeons from around Australia.

The system involves the insertion of small permanent implants which are inserted with the aid of a cystoscope or small camera. The implants work by pulling the lateral lobes of the prostate outwards creating a passage in the middle of an obstructed prostate.