A NEW procedure is available for men with an enlarged prostate (BPH).
Simple and minimally invasive, UroLift Urethral Prosthesis Treatment is available at Katelaris Urology in Sydney, where our specialists help patients with an enlarged prostate (BPH) overcome their issues and live comfortably.
What is UroLift?
UroLift is a revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment to relieve the symptoms of prostate enlargement.
While no direct threat to life, an enlarged prostate – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) to use its medical term – can be a challenge. The swollen prostate pushes on the urethra, making it difficult for a man to urinate. A urethral prosthesis, UroLift is designed to lift the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, allowing it to function without impacting urine flow.
Currently, the UroLift procedure is the only BPH treatment that does not involve heating, cutting or removing the prostate tissue. It offers patients relief from symptoms and fast recovery time, with no compromise to fertility, making it a popular treatment for those considered suitable by their GP or Urologist.
How the UroLift Procedure Works
UroLift is a prosthetic procedure consisting of tiny implantable ‘staples’ and a delivery device (the latter removed once the staples are in place).
First, the surgeon feeds a telescope through the urethra into the prostate. The UroLift implants are placed along the prostate gland tissue to lift and hold it away from the urethra. Depending on the enlarged prostate size, you need between two and six implants to hold it securely.
The UroLift prostate procedure is performed as a day surgery under general anaesthetic.
What UroLift Looks Like
The glandular tissue of each lateral lobe of the prostate is compressed then tethered to the firm fibromuscular prostatic capsule using the prosthesis.
The Benefits of UroLift
Several BPH treatments are available, including different surgeries and medicines – most with side effects. UroLift is usually recommended for men with a severely enlarged prostate, although a urologist will determine the most suitable treatment based on your symptoms, prostate size, age and preferences.
The benefits of UroLift procedure are multiple and include:
- Improved urinary function for men suffering from BPH
- A quick and straightforward procedure, taking only 30 minutes to complete
- Patients are typically in and out of hospital in one day
- A short procedure means a reduced time under anaesthetic
- Minimally invasive nature leads to a faster recovery
- No side effects caused by many BPH medications
- More effective relief of symptoms of BPH
- No invasive procedures to reduce the symptoms
- UroLift does not preclude future definitive surgery
- No sexual-related complications like erectile dysfunction
- No reported cases of retrograde ejaculation
What are the UroLift Negatives?
Burning Sensation when Urinating
One of the most common side effects of UroLift is a burning sensation when urinating; fortunately, in most patients, this symptom soon passes after a few days.
Experience Blood in their Urine
Some patients also experience blood in their urine. Again, this symptom is typically short-lived and resolves quickly. If it persists for longer than a few days after the UroLift procedure, it is recommended you speak with your GP or urologist.
Cost of UroLift
As with most medical procedures, UroLift costs vary across Australia. The good news is that financial support is available to help cover the cost of UroLift surgery, with Medicare and many private health funds paying a portion of the fees to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
To understand more about the UroLift procedure, costs and support with fees, speak with our team at Katelaris Urology.
UroLift Treatment Sydney
UroLift for BPH is becoming extremely popular because it’s minimally invasive and low on side effects.
At Katelaris Urology in Sydney – led by award-winning urological surgeon Dr Phillip Katelaris – our team provides medical advice about the effective treatment of urological problems, including BPH, prostate cancer, kidney stones, bladder cancer, erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
While UroLift surgery is considered a ground-breaking procedure, it won’t suit all patients with an enlarged prostate. Always seek medical advice about your BPH symptoms and how best to treat them in line with your lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment with Dr Katelaris today – call (02) 9477 7904.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do UroLift implants last?
UroLift is a permanent implant. Many patients will enjoy a significant improvement with their ongoing BPH symptoms – although it won’t stop the ageing process. It is important to look after yourself and adopt healthy lifestyle habits if you choose to proceed with UroLift treatment.
What are the long-term effects of UroLift?
Unfortunately, no medication or surgery can cure BPH altogether. Yet the benefits of UroLift as a long-term BPH treatment are clear. As well as a short, minimally invasive procedure, patients recover quickly, usually with few side effects. It is also suitable for men who want to have children.
Does UroLift affect erectile dysfunction?
The most common side effect of some BPH treatment is erectile dysfunction. This is not the case with the UroLift procedure, which, to date, has no reported cases of erectile dysfunction. It also has no impact on ejaculation (or dry orgasm), as with some treatments and medicines for BPH.
Does UroLift stop leakage?
An enlarged prostate causes involuntary urination or ‘leakage’ in some patients. In most patients, this stops after having the UroLift procedure, although it may persist in rare cases. When this happens, you are encouraged to seek immediate medical advice.
