Prostatic Urethral Lift at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital

Why choose a prostate urethral lift?

This revolutionary treatment involves no cutting, heating or removal of prostate tissue. If medication has failed to relieve your symptoms and you don’t want to have major surgery or take pills, this procedure is an effective alternative treatment.

What happens during the procedure?

Prostatic urethral lift is typically performed under general anaesthesia, so you'll be asleep.

The surgeon places small implants to hold the enlarged prostate out of the way and increase the urethral opening. Imagine your enlarged prostate being like a closed pair of curtains then opened and secured in place with the implants.

The procedure is quick and takes around 15 minutes.

Recovery

Typically, patients can go home the same day without a catheter.

There is minimal downtime post-treatment and often men can return to normal day to day activities within 24 hours. You can resume sexual activity when you feel comfortable.

Patients usually experience symptom relief within 4 weeks. During this period, you may experience some discomfort when urinating. Common side effects may include blood in the urine and an increased urge to pee.

Preparing for the procedure

Patients will have an outpatient appointment where they will be assessed and evaluated for suitability for a prostatic urethral lift. Tests may include: flow rate (how fast/ slow you pass urine), transrectal ultrasound, cystoscopy and possibly urodynamics.

Will I need further treatment?

Prostatic urethral lift is intended to be permanent. The treatment will not prevent you from having other BPH treatments, such as more invasive surgery or medication if required in the future.

Risks and complications

Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk.

Potential complications of this procedure are rare but can include:

• Temporary difficulties in passing urine (you will be taught how to self-catheterise prior to the procedure in case this may occur)
• Infection
• Incorrect implant positioning
• Bleeding