Fact Checked
Medically Reviewed by What Is UroLift
UroLift is marketed as a treatment for an enlarged prostate which is called BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. BPH is common and affects 40 million American men. Approximately 40% of men in their fifties and 70% of men in their sixties have BPH. BPH greatly affects men’s quality of life.
According to the manufacturers, the UroLift System breaks the cycle of medications and relieves the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
It has been suggested that BPH medication causes sexual dysfunction, dizziness, and fatigue. Therefore, with UroLift you can enjoy a normal life.
UroLift Review – Health Insiders Images
Pros And Cons of UroLift
- Fast and effective
- One time, in office solution
- None of the risks of traditional surgery
- Breaks the cycle of medication
- Speedy recovery
- US Food and Drug Administration approval
- Safe and Sustained symptom relief
- Not appropriate for men with very large prostates
- Cannot be used for men with a large “middle lobe”
- pain or burning with urination
- blood in the urine
- pelvic pain
- urgent need to urinate
- inability to control the urge to urinate
What are the Components of the UroLift Device?
According to a study in Medical Devices: Evidence and Research, it is a permanent implant of a nitinol capsular tab, stainless steel urethral end piece and a polyethylene teraphthatlate monofilament.[1]
How Does It Work – The Science Behind Urolift
The UroLift System treatment is accomplished at a doctor’s office using implants to open the obstruction and create a normal urine flow.
The UroLift Device is placed in the urethra to access the enlarged prostate. UroLift Implants lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue and increase the opening of the urethra.
In a study by European Urology, men who received the UroLift responded significantly better than those who had a TURP, a transurethral resection of the prostate.[2]
UroLift Patient Reviews & Results
A review of 7 studies of 440 patients who had the UroLift procedure resulted in these findings:
All patients were over 50 with moderate symptoms. The procedure takes 50 minutes and half of the patients used local anesthesia.
Patients experienced a modest improvement in symptoms over 12 months of follow-up. The sexual function did not change. The results indicate the procedure is safe.
However, it was noted that those with very large glands and severe symptoms should consider using alternative therapies.
One review says, “The day of the procedure was the worst day of my life and I have had some doozies. The UroLift procedure was done in a hospital surgery possibly because I am 81yo. It is now four days later and I hope it gets better someday. My suggestion is if you are my age and can still pee, don’t do this.” ~ by Harold Parks
Where can you have this procedure performed and how much does it cost?
According to ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research it costs approximately 6,000 dollars.[3] The System is covered 100% by Medicare and most major private payors. The procedure can be performed by a urologist who has comprehensive training in the UroLift System.
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Final Verdict
The UroLift System is designed to treat an enlarged prostate called BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, by placing implants to open the obstruction and increase urine flow. It is an alternative treatment to the medications that may cause dizziness, sexual dysfunction and fatigue.
Traditional surgery is therefore avoided, and it can be done in the doctor’s office with a fast recovery. It has been approved by the FDA and is considered safe and effective.
The procedure is usually covered 100% by Medicare and most major private payors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the failure rate of UroLift?
A: According to Urology Case Reports, the failure rate of the UroLift is 7% at 2 years and 14% at 4 years.[4]
Q: How long does a UroLift last?
A: According to Texas Urology Specialists, studies show UroLift lasts approximately 3 years but may last longer.
Q: Is the UroLift procedure painful?
A: According to Advanced Urology, pain and sensitivity while urinating during recovery is common.
Q: Can the Urolift system be applied again when it fails to work?
A: The UroLift procedure can be repeated, or men can undergo a traditional laser procedure. It’s also important to note that the UroLift procedure doesn’t interfere with prostate cancer treatment.
Q: Is the UroLift procedure commonly covered by health insurance?
A: Yes! The UroLift System treatment is covered by Medicare and many private insurers. Contact your insurance provider for your specific coverage information.
Q: Would UroLift open up the urethra?
A: The device compresses the tissue and delivers tiny implants to lift and hold prostate tissue out of the way, thus opening the urethra.
Q: Who is a good candidate for the UroLift System treatment?
A: You may be a good candidate if you are a male, 45 years of age or older, and have symptoms relating to BPH. Speak with your urologist to see if the UroLift System treatment is right for you.
Q: Is there any scientific evidence that the UroLift Procedure works for the majority of patients?
A: According to the Yale Medicine report, “Clinical data shows that UroLift helps reduce obstructive prostate tissue and is considered a safe and effective for many men. It helps relieve lower urinary tract symptoms related to BPH, and it does not compromise a man’s sexual function. Having UroLift does not preclude a man from trying other treatment options in the future.”
Q: Is the 3-year time frame for the procedure to work worth the time and value?
A: The UroLift Implant is a permanent implant, and the treatment is intended to be permanent. Durability has been shown to at least 4 years in U.S. clinical data (1), and results will continue to be published as follow-ups continue.
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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
4 Sources
Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
[1] McNicholas TA. Benign prostatic hyperplasia and new treatment options - a critical appraisal of the UroLift system. Med Devices (Auckl). 2016;9:115-123. Published 2016 May 19. doi:10.2147/MDER.S60780
[2] Sønksen J, Barber NJ, Speakman MJ, Berges R, Wetterauer U, Greene D, Sievert KD, Chapple CR, Montorsi F, Patterson JM, Fahrenkrug L, Schoenthaler M, Gratzke C. Prospective, randomized, multinational study of prostatic urethral lift versus transurethral resection of the prostate: 12-month results from the BPH6 study. Eur Urol. 2015 Oct;68(4):643-52. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2015.04.024. Epub 2015 Apr 30. PMID: 25937539.
[3] Iqbal M, Jones R, Hughes S, Shergill I. Low power HOLEP after failed urolift: A case report using 50 Watt laser. Urol Case Rep. 2017;16:114-115. Published 2017 Dec 5. doi:10.1016/j.eucr.2017.11.029
[4] Ulchaker JC, Martinson MS. Cost-effectiveness analysis of six therapies for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res. 2017;10:29-43. Published 2017 Dec 29. doi:10.2147/CEOR.S148195
Strong Evidence
Moderate Evidence
Yes
Diana Young, LD/N, ORDM, GC-C
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Shouldn't have listened to my urologist
I had this procedure done because my urologist recommended it over a blue light laser. I immediately had issues that put me in the emergency room 2 days later because I couldn’t pee! The whole point of the procedure is to make it easier to do so!
This Procedure did not work. Very unhappy with the results
After being reassured this procedure would work by my Dr., It did not work. I have to use a catheter several times a day to urinate. I would not recommend this procedure to anyone.
In worse shape after urolift than before
I have to urinate every 5 minutes and produce just a couple of ounces on most days. I have to use a cather if I plan on going out.
Highly overrated and overhyped procedure
I had the urolift procedure 2 years ago. It was suggested by my urologist who is an excellent and highly trusted urologist and surgeon who performed a successful and difficult vasectomy reversal at the 10-year cutoff-point being I had high confidence in his recommendation.
He referred me to his colleague specialist in the procedure. Overall the procedure went well, quite painful though coming out of the procedure as they fill your bladder with water to stimulate flow which took quite a while to occur.
Within a week I noticed a slight improvement in urgency and urine flow which increased over the next few months. However, within 6-8 months my symptoms of the frequent need to urinate and very poor flow returned.
Now I feel that my condition is as bad or worse as prior to the procedure. I am a retired medical illustrator and have worked on many catheterizations and minimally invasive surgical procedures during my career and realized that over time many various procedures while initially highly touted have proved ineffective over time.
While I understand that many have had positive results with the urolift I would not recommend the procedure. The small benefit I experienced was not worth going through the procedure.
What a Letdown - Don't Waste Your Time
When I first started to see a Urologist due to frequent urinating, with waking up 2 to 3 times a night, he first started me off on medication. I tried several, as each left me feeling dizzy or with a headache.
I had seen a commercial about the UroLift and I asked my doctor about it. He didn’t recommend it and said if I really wanted to do it, he would recommend me to another do in the practice that specialized in it. So I started seeing him and I went through all the prescreening test.
I was an ideal candidate, as my prostate size was only around 40 grams. So after doing much of own research online, I decided to go through with the procedure, which took place last December. Even though I was sedated, it quick wore off and the last two staples attached was very painful. The doctor inserted 6 total.
By the way, a representative of UroFit stands right over the procedure and I felt like he was leading the procedure with directions to my doctor, which I wasn’t comfortable with. I recovered in 24 hours with a decathitor, but it definitely wasn’t a comfortable period. The good news was that in a few days, my flow was like a fire hydrant; however, the bad news is that it didn’t last that long.
By the following April, only 4 months after the procedure, I was back to frequent urinating and all my prior issues had returned. Therefore, I would not recommend this procedure. Not worth the actual procedure itself and short term relief.