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The Urolift procedure; patient views and questions

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charles40613
charles40613

Would it be possible to keep this thread purely about Urolift and a means of sharing experiences from those who have undergone the process and invite debate from those considering it.

The Urolift process plus pros and cons are accurately described at many a website. Other very long threads discuss in detail BPH and other treatments such as TURPS, laser tend to overshadow people looking for advice on Urolift.

So for me, tired of getting up in the night. Tired of the medication and its side effects, tiredness and ED. Quality of life getting me down. I am 60 and reckon to be pretty fit and active.

I underwent this treatment (as an alternative to TURPS) 2 weeks ago at one of the 5 or 6 clinics/hospitals that appear to offer this treatment in the UK. It really was as simple as described on the web.

I had a 30 minute consultation with the consultant whereby he explained the procedure.

The treatment was booked for 10 am., it took about 15 minutes. I had it done under a local anaesthetic. To be frank if you are used to having your prostate and other bits probed there is no pain. It is just the thought of it you have to come to terms with. After the treatment you have to drink a lot of water to flush your system but I was allowed to drive home by dinner time.

First warning here. I did have to stop probably every 15 minutes with a sudden need to urinate. Fortunately I took a urine bottle from the clinic !

I could write for ages but will see what response I get to this post. I know on the day I was there, 4 other blokes were having the procedure and I sensed there was a regular flow of patients.

I’m now going through the period whereby I’m asking myself is there any improvement? It’s only 2 weeks in. I’m not sure is the answer at the moment. We are all different and recovery and improvement I am told does take time anything from 2/3 weeks to 2/3 months maybe longer. Your system needs time to readjust, I understand that, I don’t know how much time but I’m due for a follow up next week. I'm remaining positive.Would welcome comments from others.

18 likes, 1911 replies

1911 Replies

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  • frank74205
    frank74205 charles40613

    Posted

    Hi Charles,Great to hear the uro lift worked for you.Would be nice to know if you  had

    the urodynamic test,an ultra sound of your prostate size,and a cystoscopy test--taken

    before you had the uro lift?I have complete urine retention,my uro said uro- lift won't work with this.A 87 it would be nice to hear your answer to these questions?

    Thanks a lot,

    frank

    • steven07153
      steven07153 frank74205

      Posted

      Hi All -prior to my seeing my urologist on the follow up appointments they have been giving me urine tests which measure rate of flow and then ultrasound to see if my bladder has emptied.  I don't know precise measurements of my prostate as my doctor didn't apparently record them.  But subsequent to my procedure it's been all good --except for an excruciating first week+.

  • jack28391
    jack28391 charles40613

    Posted

    Charles,  I had the Urolift procedure a month and a half ago with an anesthesiologist putting me under.  When I awoke I had a catheter inserted that i was ordered to keep in for 48 hours.  After the procedure I was allowed to go home, and following my Urologist's orders, I personally pulled the catheter after the prescribed time.  Since the procedure I have noticed a marked increase in pressure from my urine stream.  After follow up slightly less than a month, the ultra sound over urine retention in my kidneys had improved according to my Doctor.  Kidney retention was not totally up to par, but I have confidence given more time my improvement will continue.  From other Patient replies on Urolift, I believe total recovery, and more improvement will be there after 3 months following the procedure.  I hope this helps you Charles or others reading this. 

  • Ron97203
    Ron97203 charles40613

    Posted

    Hi Guys, first post. I'm going in next week for my UroLift ,. finally, after months of waiting for Insurance to approve. So.. the day is finally here. Thought I would sign up to report on my outcome, since reading others experiences on this Forum were so helpful!

    Around 5 months ago I suddenly developed Acute Retention, after six years of being on Alpha blockers. Situation did worsen over the years, but it seemed day to day, some days my stream was normal. Other days had frequent trips. I learned that certain food or drugs could really cause a blockage.. Don't ever drink those Red Bull or Rock-Star energy drinks! Full of crap like Ephedrine, etc. will blow up your prostate.

    Anyway one day last summer, I returned home and got very sick after being at an event. It was a nice warm day, I drank an Ice Tea. Later I had nausea, urinated but the stream was weak.. dribbling. An hour later began vomiting w/ dry heaves. Stomach Flu? Finally made it to the Emergency Room - MRI revealed bladder completely full. Backed up to my kidneys, even!

    I'd never used a Catheter before and it was a bad experience. Encrustation, very painful. Urologist went over my options including TURP and UroLift.. Unfortunately I was at near total blockage, after Foley catheter removed. Could barely dribble. My only choice was straight cath CICS, it's been 5 months of hell..

    Doc performed a Cystoscope, followed by Urodynamic Study. We had to appeal initial denial from Blue Cross Medicare. Finally approved, so here I am.. Again, thanks to everybody else who has posted. I'm on West Coast USA. My procedure will be done In-Office. He explained I will be on a Foley for 2 days after.. Really look forward to normal function again!

    Ron

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 Ron97203

      Posted

      Ron  I think you will be pleased with the procedure.  going on 2 years for me Carrya few male pads with you because after the the catheter comes out you will not have the control glad I did.  Take care  Ken   
    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 nealpros

      Posted

      Good morning Neal.  There was no leaking but After they took the catheter out  I was not going home  I had to go some place it took me 15 minutes to get there from the office.  Will with the movement of the car I had to pee.  I put one leg out the door and could not hold it.  I did try.   I went alot and the pad held it all.  I went inside and changed.  I peed fine the rest of the day and wore that pad just to be sure   It did burn but was going fine.  I just wore the pad to be safe.  Because they did not tell be anything about having a catheter.  I never had one before I and was going to be ready .  I think it is best to were a pad after a catheter is removed after any procedure.  Your bladder has to get use to not having it in.  Tak care all  Ken 
    • jimjames
      jimjames Ron97203

      Posted

      Hi Ron,

      Were you able to urinate naturally at all after the Foley was removed or was all your void via CIC?

      I ask because we've had both good and not so good results here from Urololift and outcomes seem dependent not only on prostate size/architecture but also on bladder elasticity and detrussor strength. 

      With prostate architecture, large median lobes seem to be a problem. With the bladder, a significant loss of tone (atonic bladder) can be a problem even if the Urolift itself is able to open up the passage way. 

      I would therefore ask your doctor how many Urololifts he has done on someone with your bladder issues and if your urodynamics are consistent with successful outcomes in that situation.

      Jim

    • Ron97203
      Ron97203 jimjames

      Posted

      Hi Jim, OK after my Acute Retention 5 months ago, and wearing Foley for 1+ week.. No I was NOT able to urinate normally. Only slight dribble. I chose to use CIC and promptly scheduled Cystoscope followed by Urodynamics.

      Doc is very experienced, 25+ years in practice. He explained that sometimes, with some guys, after years of BPH and Tamsulosin, it finally just shuts off your flow. I could stand there for 10 min and get only a few drops.

      He also said that CIC cath voiding, for a couple of months would help bladder to recover.  After Cystoscope he thought I was a candidate for UroLift and, also gave other options.  Including Thulium laser TURP... this Doc seems up on latest techniques. As a side note, he is involved with fixing Peyronies, penile surgery, etc which many Uro's don't do...

      Next step was the Urodynamic Testing. He showed me on a computer graph print-out, how my bladder was functioning normally. It gives a Pressure Flow and other tests. This Study was also used, to appeal my denial by Blue Cross - he did write a letter to support my claim, with the Study to prove medical necessary.

      I'm a little nervous, but will report back in a few days! - Ron

    • jimjames
      jimjames Ron97203

      Posted

      Hi Ron,

      Good luck with the procedure and please report back how things went. 

      Jim

    • nealpros
      nealpros kenneth1955

      Posted

      Hi Kenneth,

      Thanks for the useful information on catheters and Urolift.

      Neal

    • Evdilos
      Evdilos Ron97203

      Posted

      Ron,

      ?   It sounds loke  you have been through the ringer. My experience with the uro lift was not a great success giving only mariginal improvement. I was not, however, experiencing total retention like you are. Bit I did have total retention after the procedure from blood cots that lasted  about four days. During that period I had a catheter and had to go to emergency 4 times for an "irrigation" process.

          Most people seem to benefit from the uro. Sorry you are going through a tough period. Best of luck.

      Tony .   

    • Ron97203
      Ron97203 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Hi Ken, well its been just over a week now, recovered and bleeding has stopped. Just had my 1-week follow up Appointment with Doc.

      I'm disappointed, sad to say... Maybe I had a rosy picture in my mind that all function would be restored. We're all different and that is evident after reading many experiences on this Forum. - What I did not clearly understand, in my case was the issue of Chronic Retention.

      Yes I had BPH so I guess the Doc approached it from that angle. Good news, I now can manage a small dribble - but then it stops less than 20%, I cannot void without cath. Doc is hoping I will continue to improve. Watchful waiting, another 3 months.

      Again I did have a Urodynamic Study and he convinced Insurance to approve the UroLift. Now I may need to consider TURP or other solution.. IF things don't improve. I also am fighting pre- diabetes and that can also damage the bladder. It's a complex issue. Doc agrees I have nerve damage to bladder, and I'll probably need to work on Diet and exercise, Low carb diabetic diet, hopefully that will help.

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 Ron97203

      Posted

      Ron  Give yourself some time.  Not all men heal at the same rate.  I have diabetes for the last 15 years. After my Urolift I was good in a week.   It has only be a week for you.  It may take a month.  Your still swallon.   If you have to change some of the things you eat do it.  I would rather change my diet they have my prostate distroyed.  Remember he said it's you bladder not your prostate.  Take it easy  Ken   

    • frank74205
      frank74205 jimjames

      Posted

      Hi Jim, Today i got my results from urodynamics test. I was unable to perform uro flow,unable to urinate.My URO said if i have laser my change of NV would be 50 %. I asked about URo Lift-he said that would not open prostate enough,i then asked if he were me what would you do? He said as long as their are no problems keep doing CIC.I also asked about UTI,he said if i get a fever also bladder cramps,i should come in for urinalysis.

      I did get a copy of the test.Despite the increased detrusor pressures,there was no voluntary detrusor activity with associated with a void.

      The study is consistant with an increased bladder capacity and increased detrusor activity with poor bladder compliance. Desipte significant detrusor pressure,there was no leak or evidence of a voluntary void. There was no dterusor -sphincter dyssynergia.

      Jim do you think i should send my records to another URO?

      Does all this mean,i have a stretched out bladder and surgery is not the answer. Jim you did have a prostate obstruction and was able to over come that by CIC. Maybe there is a change for to get lucky. I also asked if there was a possible chance to overcome the obstruction with CIC.he said no.

      What is your opinion JIm,Does this make sense?

      Thans again for all your help JIm

      frank,

      Thanks again JIM  for all your help?

      Frank,

    • frank74205
      frank74205 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Hi ken, Today i got my results from urodynamics test. I was unable to perform uro flow,unable to urinate.My URO said if i have laser my change of NV would be 50 %. I asked about URo Lift-he said that would not open prostate enough,i then asked if he were me what would you do? He said as long as their are no problems keep doing CIC.I also asked about UTI,he said if i get a fever also bladder cramps,i should come in for urinalysis.

      I did get a copy of the test.Despite the increased detrusor pressures,there was no voluntary detrusor activity with associated with a void.

      The study is consistant with an increased bladder capacity and increased detrusor activity with poor bladder compliance. Desipte significant detrusor pressure,there was no leak or evidence of a voluntary void. There was no dterusor -sphincter dyssynergia.

      Frank,

      Does all this mean,i have a stretched out bladder and surgery is not the answer. Jim you did have a prostate obstruction and was able to over come that by CIC. Maybe there is a change for to get lucky. I also asked if there was a possible chance to overcome the obstruction with CIC.he said no.

      I don't know if getting another URO opinion would matter?

      Frank,

      I

      frank, 

    • jack28391
      jack28391 frank74205

      Posted

      Frank....I consider my Uro-Lift completed by a Montana Urologist December 12th of 2016 a success.  I am not a Urologist nor do I lay claim to understanding your tests.  However, I personally can testify I had a Urologist attempt to throw a wet blanket so to speak on having Uro-Lift done at all. He did everything he could to discourage my having Uro-Lift.   My analogy is that he was negatively impacted monetarily because he is not qualified to do the Uro-Lift procedure.  My Urologist that I finally found to do it, told me if I had a large median lobe, I would not qualify for the Uro-Lift.  He did a number of tests and informed me I was a candidate for it.  To receive a more objective appraisal, I recommend you google; - - - "Uro-Lift".  Once you get into the Uro-Lift official site, you will be prompted to enter the State you live in, and then guided to a Uro-Lift qualified Urologist near you.  In my laymen;s opinion, from my own experience, Urologists not qualified to do the procedure are too much biased by their own pocketbooks.  I hope my opinion may help you Frank.  God Bless.  Jack, Montana.

    • jimjames
      jimjames frank74205

      Posted

      Hi Frank,

      Since you have zero natural void (NV) right now, I don't understand how you can increase it 50%? I'd ask your doc for clarification on this.

      As to the rest, I'm really not qualified to analyze urodynamic testing but I do know that increased detrussor pressure is good but not sure where the "no voluntary detrussor activity" fits in. I'm assuming you have no nerve damage but it should be in the report, so ask your doc. Also ask him what the reasons would be for no "voluntary activity" in light of what appears to be decent pressure. It does seem consistent with what you are experiencing in regular life, but if your pressure is good enough then possibly things could get better in the future. I'd also ask him that.

      I see no harm in getting a second opinion on the urodynamics if it will not ruffle any feathers where you are. Your current doctor seems reasonable, and doesn't seem like he's pushing you into a surgery, plus seems supportive of your CIC and his advice regarding infections seems sound. That's a lot better than a lot of the docs here.

      It's still unclear to me if prostate reduction surgery would help you and how much if it did. How easy is CIC for you these days? If it's not very traumatic, and not too much of an inconvenience, then it's probably as good a solution as any for now, at least until your bladder perks up a bit, which may or may not happen.

      Jim

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 frank74205

      Posted

      Good eveing Frank.  I think that your problem is the bladder.  I would not have laser for a 50% chance.  The other doctor told you with a turp you would still have to do CIC.  This doctor did tell you that a urolift would open up your prostate.  That is the same thing that my doctor told you.  He had good results with the urolift and if it did not help it would make CIC easier for you.  It does not make any cents to have a turp or a laser when you still have to do CIC.  You may be able to help your bladder.  Jim was able to why not you  Good luck Ken 
    • jimjames
      jimjames

      Posted

      Frank,

      Maybe I misunderstood. Did your doctor say that the "change" in NV would be 50%, ie 50% better. Or, did the doctor say that your "chance" of being able to have a NV after a surgery would be 50%?

      Jim

    • frank74205
      frank74205 jack28391

      Posted

      Hi Jack, Thanks Jack for that inform,i will check this out.Jack did you have a bladder problem as well as enlarged prostate?My  URO saying he does not do uro lift,but also said if i do Laser surgery i would only have a 50 % chance of being able to pee without doing CIC.I HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AFTER THE URO-LIFT.

      GOD BLESS

      FRANK

    • frank74205
      frank74205 jimjames

      Posted

      JIM,MY doctor said my chance of being able to pee NV after surgery would be 50 to 60 %.Thats a 50 % gamble.I don't like those odds?It would be nice to be able to pee without CIC , At this point in my life at 87,i don't know if  this gamble is worth it.The doctor doesn't sound like he's after the big bucks. I asked him what he would do if he were me? He said if CIC doesn't bother you then thats what i would do.I think i will send my records to URO that does uro lift. This doctor said uro lift would not open the prostate enough to make it work for me.He doesn't do uro lift?

      What would you do Jim?

      thanks

      frank,

       

    • frank74205
      frank74205 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Ken,No Ken the other doctor said Turp would work 90 %.However this was before i had the urodynamics test.Then the bladder problem showed up i coud not pee .This doctor said uro lift would not open the prostate enough for me to pee without CIC.

      Thanks

      Ken

    • jack28391
      jack28391 frank74205

      Posted

      Frank....All I was told by my Uro Lift Montana Urologist at Kalispell, Montana, is that I had alarming urine retention going on in one of my kidneys, more than the other.  He authorized a number of tests before the surgery.  One of the tests was some sort of ultra sound through through my anus.  He also inserted a scope through my penis to look at my prostate on a computer screen and I could see what he was looking at as he did that pre testing procedure.  The thought of it is or was worse than the procedure.  .  I have a much stronger stream now and am not urinating as often as I was before the Uro Lift Procdure. I hope this iinfo may help you Frank.
    • frank74205
      frank74205 jimjames

      Posted

      Jim, doctor is saying because of my bladder even if i have laser surgery on prostate the possibility of stopping urine retention is around 50 to 60 % only.In other words i still could be in complete urine retention after surgery?

      it's been around 6 months of CIC,it's getting better,less pain.It's true about this doctor I have wait 3 months just for an appoint. I don't think he's pushing for surgery,he said the decision would be up to me. The last Uro i had said i recommend Turp,without even doing the urodynamaics.

       I think I'm going to send my records to anothe Uro,this one does uro lift.

      Jim ,thank you so much for giving me some good questions to ask my doctor.

      Thanks so much,you are the best,

      God Bless,

      frank

       

    • jimjames
      jimjames jack28391

      Posted

      Hi Jack,

      Glad your urolift went well. How long ago was it? Did he tell you how much retention you had prior to Urolift. I would get a number, not just an adjective. What was going on with your kidneys sounds like hydronephrosis (water in the kidney) caused by refluxed urine. I had that in of my kidneys as well. If he hasn't done a kidney ultraound post urolift, ask for one. You want to make sure the hydronephosis has resolved. You don't want to take chances with the kidneys.

      -- Jim

    • jack28391
      jack28391 jimjames

      Posted

      Jim...My Urologist did do some testing post op that I went for in January about 3 weeks after the Uro Lift.  He said it had markedly improved but still was not entirely happy with some remaining retention.  He was hoping I would come back for another post op exam this coming summer which I will try to schedule with him. 
    • jack28391
      jack28391 jimjames

      Posted

      Jim...By the way, I would like to sincerely thank you for your caring about e and for your expertise.  Jack, Montana.
    • jimjames
      jimjames frank74205

      Posted

      Hi Frank,

      50-50 sounds about right, in other words he doesn't know. At least it's an honest answer. And his comments about CIC were also what I was thinking. If it doesn't bother you that much, then maybe stay with it for now. On the other hand, can't hurt to send your records around for the less invasive procedures, and also to keep an eye out as these procedures progress or newer ones become availabe. Curious what a urollift, PAE doc or REZUM doc would say about your chances but I'm thinking they would be less than 50-50. FLA sounds very promising but it's got two things going against it as far as I'm concerned. First, not that many cases to compare to. And second, the cost is $20,000 which insurance will not cover. And after all that, still probably 50-50.

      Jim

    • jimjames
      jimjames jack28391

      Posted

      Jack,

      Sounds like the hydronephrosis resolved or he would have mentioned it. That said, you might want to call the offce to confirm your kidneys are clear and also to ask for a number to quantify your retention -- and then report back. The amount of retention you currently have should determine the frequency you will want to see him for bladder scans as well as any additional steps you might want to take.

      You're quite welcome with your thanks and along with the others, I'm here for you to help you make the best decisions.

      Jim 

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 frank74205

      Posted

      I remember month's ago that the doctor told you that having a turp you still would have to do CIC.  I don't remember you saying 90% But I remember telling my doctor has had good results with the urolift with men with retention but he also said that if it did not work it would make it easier for you to do CIC because the prostate would be open more.  I think your doctor is trying to talk you into the turp.  And what if it does not work  He will go oh well I throught it would.  Be care full Frank Please  Ken  

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