Prostatic urethral lift systems are an alternative surgical procedure for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common and chronic condition where the enlarged prostate can make it difficult for a man to pass urine, leading to urinary tract infections, urinary retention, and in some cases renal failure. This is an alternative to existing surgical treatments – TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) or laser. These existing treatments involve cutting away or removing existing tissue, require an average hospital stay of 3 days and often catheterisation for many days post-surgery.
This procedure uses adjustable, permanent implants to pull excess prostatic tissue away so that it does not narrow or block the urethra. Following the procedure, patients return home after a few hours, typically without catheter, and follow-up is normally by telephone. Patients have significantly fewer side effects (notably 0% risk of permanent sexual dysfunction) and post-operative complications, such as infection and bleeding, compared with existing alternatives. The procedure is increasingly carried out under a local anesthetic.
Urolift is an example of this system. You can watch Urolift's overview video here.
Collated evidence is available on the right, courtesy of North East and North Cumbria AHSN.
For an Implementation Toolkit, links to videos from other NHS Trusts who have adopted UroLift, and further information on how to get started, please contact us.
Resources
Benign prostatic hyperplasia and new treatment options - a critical appraisal of UroLift
Minimally invasive prostatic urethral lift; surgical experience and multinational experience
NICE guidance - Urolift for treating lower urinary tract symptoms
The Urolift procedure; patient views and questions from Patient.info forums
UroLift System for relief of prostate obstruction under local anesthesia
Urolift system for the treatment of LUTS; NICE Medical Tech Guidance
Urolift; a New Face of Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
UroLift; a new minimally-invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia