UroLift – Minimally Invasive Enlarged Prostate Treatment

UroLift is a minimally invasive procedure for selected men with urinary symptoms caused by benign prostate enlargement. Small permanent implants pull obstructing tissue away from the urethra.

Implants hold the enlarged prostate lobes apart, opening the urinary channel. The operation is performed through the urethra using a telescope.

No. UroLift mechanically retracts obstructing tissue without cutting out or vaporising prostate tissue during the procedure.

No. Prostate size, shape, middle-lobe anatomy and bladder function influence suitability. Other prostate treatments may offer better results in certain patients.

The 2026 European guideline recommends UroLift for selected men with prostate volumes below 70 mL and no obstructing middle lobe. Device indications and other guidelines may differ. Individual assessment remains essential.

Selected middle-lobe techniques have been studied, but the evidence is less established than for standard lateral-lobe obstruction. An obstructing middle lobe may make another procedure more appropriate.

Some patients with retention may be considered for a prostatic urethral lift, but successful catheter-free voiding is not guaranteed. Bladder function and the severity of obstruction require careful assessment.

The procedure commonly takes less than an hour, although the exact time depends on anatomy, implant placement and anaesthetic arrangements.

It may be performed under local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia. The method depends on the patient, surgeon and facility.

Anaesthesia is provided during the procedure. Burning, pelvic discomfort and urinary irritation may occur afterwards, usually improving over days to weeks.

Many patients do not need a catheter, but temporary drainage may be required if they have difficulty passing urine or experience significant postoperative swelling.

UroLift is commonly performed as a day procedure. Discharge depends on recovery, satisfactory urinary drainage and the anaesthetic used.

Some patients notice improvement within days or a few weeks. Temporary irritation can make early symptoms fluctuate. The response is reviewed during follow-up.

It may improve nocturia when prostate obstruction contributes. However, nighttime urination can also result from excessive overnight urine production, sleep disorders or bladder dysfunction, which may need separate treatment.

UroLift has a low reported risk of new persistent ejaculatory dysfunction in clinical studies. This can be an important reason for choosing the procedure, but preservation cannot be guaranteed.

New persistent erectile dysfunction has been uncommon in published clinical studies. However, individual outcomes vary and sexual effects cannot be ruled out entirely.

No. UroLift is designed to treat urinary obstruction, not erectile dysfunction. Existing erectile problems may require separate assessment and treatment.

UroLift uses implants to hold prostate tissue apart. TURP removes obstructing prostate tissue. TURP generally produces greater urinary improvement and has a lower retreatment likelihood, but dry or retrograde ejaculation is common.

Neither treatment is automatically better for every patient. UroLift uses implants to open the urethra immediately, while Rezum uses water vapour to reduce prostate tissue over time. Their suitability, recovery and retreatment considerations differ.

These procedures serve different patient needs. HoLEP removes obstructing prostate tissue and can be effective for large prostates. UroLift is less invasive but generally provides less obstruction relief and has a higher retreatment risk.

The number varies according to prostate size and anatomy. Several implants, commonly around four or more, may be used. Your surgeon determines the appropriate placement.

Yes. They are intended to remain permanently within the prostate. Selected components can sometimes be removed if necessary, but removal may not eliminate every implanted component.

Implant-related complications are uncommon but can include incorrect position, discomfort or exposed material developing encrustation. Further endoscopic treatment may occasionally be required.

Yes, provided the specified MRI safety conditions are met. The implants are classified as MRI conditional. Always tell the radiology team that you have UroLift implants.

It can. Metallic implant components may create artefacts in some MRI sequences, making certain parts of the prostate harder to assess. This is relevant when evaluating possible prostate cancer.

No. UroLift is a treatment for urinary symptoms due to benign prostate obstruction. Suspicion of prostate cancer requires separate investigation and management.

Some patients can stop medication after satisfactory improvement, while others require ongoing tablets for persistent symptoms. Medication changes should be directed by your urologist.

Results vary. Some patients experience several years of symptom relief. In one five-year clinical study, 13.6% underwent surgical retreatment. Other studies have reported different rates.

Repeat UroLift may be possible for selected patients, but it is not always the best solution. Alternative surgery may provide more effective relief depending on the reason symptoms have returned.

Often, yes. TURP or another prostate operation may be considered following unsuccessful UroLift. The existing implants need to be taken into account during surgical planning.

Many patients return to sedentary activities or work within a few days. More demanding activities may need to be delayed until bleeding and discomfort settle.

This depends on symptoms and the surgeon's instructions. Many postoperative protocols advise avoiding sexual activity for at least about a week, sometimes longer. Do not resume if significant pain or bleeding persists.

Mild bleeding is common during early recovery and can occur intermittently. Heavy bleeding, large clots, inability to pass urine or worsening pain requires prompt assessment.

Costs and reimbursement depend on the specific procedure, applicable Medicare criteria, private health fund and hospital arrangements. Ask for an individual written estimate, including hospital, anaesthetic and device-related costs.

Bring your GP referral, PSA results, medication list, previous prostate imaging, urine flow tests and any cystoscopy reports if available. Be prepared to discuss your symptoms and treatment priorities.