UroLift Surgery in Staten Island, NY
Most men experience an enlargement of the prostate as they age. While this is a normal effect of getting older, it can cause discomfort and a reduced quality of life. The Urology team at Richmond University Medical Center offers UroLift surgery near you in Staten Island, New York. This minimally invasive procedure provides immediate relief for enlarged prostate symptoms, helping patients live free of pain.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. The prostate is a gland located at the bottom of the bladder. As part of the male reproductive system, its function is to produce fluid for semen. An adult prostate starts at the size of a walnut and continues to grow throughout the person’s lifetime. In many men, the prostate eventually grows large enough to cause problems.
Because the prostate grows over the patient’s life, BPH is most common in older men. Approximately 45% of men past the age of 45 have BPH, with prevalence increasing with age to approximately 80% of men past 70. Genetics is often a factor: if a man’s close relatives struggle with BPH, then he may also be at risk. Finally, obesity and an inactive lifestyle can contribute to BPH.
Symptoms and Complications of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
BPH does not always cause symptoms. While the majority of senior men have an enlarged prostate, many do not feel any difference. Others experience mild to severe discomfort, with potentially lifestyle-impairing symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination, as often as every one to two hours
- Bladder still feeling full after urination
- Difficulty when starting urination
- A weak or intermittent urine stream
- The need to push or strain when urinating
- Elevated PSA (prostate-specific androgen) levels
- Kidney or abdominal pain
Symptoms of BPH get worse over time as the prostate continues to grow. If left untreated, they can contribute to other health issues and complications such as:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
- Inability to urinate
- Urinary incontinence
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Inflamed prostate
- Kidney damage
Many of these health complications are potentially serious. For this reason, prompt treatment is recommended for men who experience problems caused by an enlarged prostate. Fortunately, with treatment, many patients can find relief while avoiding severe health consequences.
What Is UroLift?
UroLift is a simple, minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate (BPH). Since its approval in 2013, it has become a popular way to quickly and safely relieve symptoms. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and uses tiny implants to gently move prostate tissue aside, opening the urethra so the patient can urinate more easily. Most men notice a significant improvement in symptoms, and it helps protect the person’s long-term health.
The Benefits of the UroLift Procedure
Other surgeries for BPH involve heating, cutting, or otherwise destroying prostate tissue. This requires anesthesia and a short hospital stay. In some cases, the tissue removal may also lead to complications such as bleeding or infection. Unlike traditional surgery, UroLift does not destroy tissue. This minimally invasive approach provides excellent benefits for the patient:
- Faster treatments
- No need for anesthesia
- Less post-surgical pain
- No hospital stay
- Shorter recovery times
- Lower risk of bleeding or infection
UroLift also provides superior symptom management to medication-based treatments and fewer side effects. It is the only leading treatment that does not cause lasting sexual dysfunction, allowing the patient to maintain his previous lifestyle and quality of life.
Preparing For UroLift Surgery
Before the scheduled Urolift procedure, the patient’s physician will provide instructions to hep the patient prepare. UroLift does not require intensive preparation, though the following steps can increase the likelihood of a smooth and successful procedure:
- Diet: Patients should stop eating and drinking for at least six hours before the procedure. If taking a prescription medication, patients should swallow pills with a small sip of water.
- Medications: Blood thinners, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, and some herbal supplements can increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided before surgery.
- Clothing: Patients need to change into a hospital gown for the procedure. While not required, it is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off and put back on.
- Transportation: UroLift is sometimes performed with a sedative. Patients should arrange transportation with a friend or family member to avoid driving home while drowsy.
As with any medical procedure, patients should speak with their physician about what to expect. Asking questions and expressing concerns can help patients feel less anxious about their treatment, leading to greater confidence and satisfaction.
How UroLift Works
After arriving at the hospital, the patient will disrobe and put on a surgical gown. He will then lie on his back on a surgical table and lift his legs into padded stirrups. This position lets healthcare providers see and access the urethra easily. UroLift procedures are performed by a urologist or a surgeon who specializes in urinary conditions, supported by a team of nurses. They complete the procedure following these steps:
- A nurse administers local anesthesia to numb the urethra and surrounding areas. A sedative may also be provided to help the patient relax.
- The surgeon inserts a urinary catheter to drain urine from the bladder.
- The surgeon inserts a thin, tube-like instrument with a camera called a cystoscope alongside the catheter. The cystoscope allows the surgeon to see inside the urethra without cutting.
- The surgeon inserts a UroLift delivery device into the urethra.
- Using the delivery device, the surgeon places two to six small stainless-steel implants on both sides of the prostate. The implants feature two tabs connected by a suture.
- The implants pull the prostate tissue aside, widening the urethra.
- The surgeon removes the tools from the urethra.
UroLift takes less than one hour to complete and may be done within as few as 30 minutes. Afterward, the patient will be monitored for a brief period to make sure there are no side effects. The patient is free to go home as soon as the healthcare team confirms that he can do so safely.
Recovering from UroLift
One of the benefits of UroLift is its very short recovery period. Patients can go home from the hospital the same day as their procedure, and most do not require a catheter. They can resume normal daily activities, including work and school, within a few days.
Some discomfort is normal after treatment, including pelvic pain and a burning or stinging sensation when urinating. Most patients feel better within a week, though others take up to four weeks to heal. The following steps can help patients heal more quickly:
- Treating pain with over-the-counter medications
- Finishing the full course of antibiotics or other prescribed medications
- Drinking extra water to flush bacteria and reduce the risk of a UTI
- Avoiding alcohol, citrus juice, caffeine, and other drinks that can irritate the bladder
- Avoiding sexual activity for up to a week after treatment
Patients should schedule follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider. The first follow-up is typically a few weeks after the UroLift procedure to make sure the patient is healing normally. It may involve a short interview, physical exam, or imaging tests.
Find Relief from Enlarged Prostate Near You in Staten Island, NY
Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) should not be afraid of their symptoms. Discussing changes with a physician is the first step toward finding relief. Richmond University Medical Center provides UroLift surgery to patients throughout Staten Island, NY, to help them avoid discomfort and other complications from BPH.
Richmond University Medical Center is certified as a UroLift Center of Excellence, which is given to physicians who have attained a high level of training and experience with the UroLift System. This helps ensure top-quality patient care and provide peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
UroLift Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is a good candidate for the UroLift procedure?
Good candidates for the UroLift procedure are male, past the age of 45, and experiencing urinary difficulties caused by BPH (enlarged prostate).
Are UroLift implants permanent?
UroLift implants are designed to be permanent to provide long-lasting relief for symptoms of an enlarged prostate. If the implants need to be removed for any reason, however, a surgeon can cut the sutures to remove the urethral endpieces and reverse the procedure.
Can I get other treatments for BPH after UroLift?
UroLift does not preclude other BPH treatments, such as medication or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery. If UroLift fails to provide satisfactory results, then the implants can be left in place or removed as part of a second procedure.
Can I have sex after UroLift?
Patients should speak with their healthcare provider about when it is safe to resume sexual activities. They may need to avoid sex for up to one week after the procedure.
What is the success rate of UroLift?
UroLift has an excellent success rate and fewer side effects than other leading treatments for BPH. Only 14% of patients need retreatment after receiving UroLift.
