Understanding UroLift: The Modern "Stapler" Treatment for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
- vikas singh
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
For years, men suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)—commonly known as an enlarged prostate—faced a difficult choice: stay on lifelong medication with potential side effects or undergo invasive surgery that required cutting or burning tissue
Today, a third option is changing the landscape. Known as the UroLift System, this "stapler" technique offers a mechanical solution to a biological problem, providing immediate relief without the downtime of traditional surgery.
What is UroLift and How Does It Treat Prostate Enlargement?
Moving Beyond Traditional Surgery
Unlike older procedures like TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) or laser surgery, UroLift does not involve removing any part of the prostate. There is no heating, cutting, or destruction of tissue. This makes it a "tissue-sparing" procedure that minimizes trauma to the body.
The "Stapler" Concept: How the Mechanical Implants Work
Think of the UroLift as a "curtain tie-back" for your prostate. Using a specialized delivery device, a urologist places tiny, permanent implants that lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way. By "stapling" the lobes back, the blocked urethra is forced open, allowing urine to flow freely again.
A Step-by-Step Look at the UroLift Procedure
In a recent clinical demonstration, Dr. Vikas Singh showcased the precision of this procedure. Here is how it unfolds:
Preparation and Endoscopic Mapping
The surgeon inserts a thin endoscope through the urethra to visualize the obstruction. This allows the doctor to map exactly where the prostate lobes are pressing against the urinary channel.
Positioning and Securing the Lobes
The UroLift delivery device is positioned against the obstructive tissue. In the video, Dr. Singh demonstrates "grabbing and sweeping" the right lobe first. Once in position, the first implant is fired. A small blue thread remains visible, showing where the clip has successfully secured the tissue. The process is then repeated for the left lobe.
Creating a Clear Channel
The goal is to create a visible "V-shaped" opening. Once the clips are in place, the urologist performs a final check to ensure the pathway is clear, providing a direct "highway" for urine to exit the bladder.
Why Choose UroLift? Key Benefits for Patients
Preservation of Sexual Function: UroLift is the only leading BPH procedure shown in clinical studies to have a zero risk of new, permanent erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.
Rapid Recovery: Most patients return home the same day and can resume normal activities within a few days.
No Catheter Required: Unlike traditional surgery, most UroLift patients do not need a urinary catheter after the procedure.
Immediate Results: Many patients see significant improvement in their urine flow in as little as two weeks.
Case Study: Real-Life Results
The procedure highlighted by Dr. Singh involved a 50-year-old male with a 40g prostate. While animations often show four or more implants, this specific case achieved a perfect clinical result using just two clips. This highlights the efficiency of the procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon—achieving maximum relief with minimal intervention.
Is UroLift Right for You?
UroLift is generally ideal for men with prostate sizes between 30g and 80g. It is particularly suited for those who want to stop taking daily BPH medications or those who are not candidates for major surgery due to other health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are the implants permanent?
A: Yes, the UroLift implants are intended to stay in place permanently. They are made of medical-grade materials (stainless steel, nitinol, and PET suture) that are safe for long-term use in the body.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation. While you may feel some pressure during the process, it is significantly less painful than traditional surgery.
Q: Will I still be able to have an MRI?
A: Yes. UroLift implants are "MRI conditional," meaning they are safe for MRI scans under specific conditions which your doctor can provide.
Q: How soon can I go back to work?
A: Most men return to work and light activity within 2–3 days.
About the Author
Dr. Vikas Singh is a Senior Consultant Urologist, Genito-Uro Oncologist, and Kidney Transplant Surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore. With over 15 years of experience and more than 10,000 surgeries performed, Dr. Singh is a pioneer in bringing advanced, minimally invasive treatments like UroLift and iTind to Central India. He is a member of the American Urological Association (AUA) and is widely recognized for his expertise in "scarless" prostate and kidney stone treatments.
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