1. Community
  2. Men's health
  3. Prostate Problems

The Urolift procedure; patient views and questions

Posted , 264 users are following.

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

Prev Next
  • bill1936
    bill1936 charles40613

    Posted

    Enjoyed your article on your experiences.  It was instrumental in me actually going ahead with the Urolift.  Today 3 days post op.  Everything is like I was told by the URO.  Bagged for 1 day and no problem with urination.  In fact I experience what you did in the frequency and urgency.  Before Urolift I had a lot of problems starting.  Not that is not the problem. Thanks for your post.
    • Ron97203
      Ron97203 bill1936

      Posted

      Bill, sounds like we are on the same time frame.. It's been just over a week here.  Just had my 1-week consult follow up.  In my case... disappointment.  It did restore a weak stream, but I still must use CIC every time. I'm still taking Tamsulosin.  He just acted like, maybe it will improve and see you in another 3 months.

  • mark02906
    mark02906 charles40613

    Posted

    Post Op - Would appreciate any post op suggestions.  In particular, anyone resume slow walking during the first week?  Thanks.  Procedure is scheduled for Presidents Day.  I don't plan on doing anything strenuous for the first week or two.  But, with warmer than usual February weather, I might be tempted to short walks.

    • jack28391
      jack28391 mark02906

      Posted

      Mark...I had Uro Lift with the guidance of a good Urologist in Montana.  If you are mandated to wear a catheter by your Urologist for 48 hours after your Uro Lift as I was, you probably will not want to walk at all, until the catheter is removed.  That is my laymen's view.  I was not used to having a catheter in me, and I was approved to remove it myself, which was no big deal.  Pre op and post op, I suggest you pray, and God in His grace will strengthen and guide you.    

    • mark02906
      mark02906 jack28391

      Posted

      Thank you for your advice.  My urologist has not discussed the use of a catheter.  So, I don't know what I am going to encounter.  The second part of your advice is also very welcome.  There are many who need the divine's guidance.  I will pray for them.

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 mark02906

      Posted

      Good evening Mark.  I had mine done 2 years ago.  I had a catheter for 48 hrs.This was my first time with one.    I had the procedure done on Monday and went home a hour after I woke up  Stayed in bed but On tuesday morning I had to take my son downtown to the court house for jury duty could not fined anyone.  I just made sure the bag was good on my leg put my pants on and was very carefull getting in the car so it did not pull.  Dopped him off and came home and went back to bed.  Emptyed the bag first.  Take care  Ken  
    • john75981
      john75981 mark02906

      Posted

      Hi Mark. Had my Urolift in the UK on 5th Nov16. My surgeon did not fit a catheter. He said he took each case individually and considered I would not need one. Left hospital about 3 hours after the Operation, after they ascertained I was urinating without any problem. I was advised to avoid any strenuous exercise for 3 weeks and suggested not to drive for a week.. Walking around was fine once the urgency to urinate subsided.See my various postings for my progress report. No discomfort at all from the inserted clips at any time.
    • mark02906
      mark02906 kenneth1955

      Posted

      Ken.  You are awesome.  Your experience gives me encouragement.
    • mark02906
      mark02906 john75981

      Posted

      Thanks, John.  Conservative approach seems to be the best.  I'll just tell my walking partner that I going to be dreaming of a South Sea Island for a week or two.

    • kenneth1955
      kenneth1955 mark02906

      Posted

      Thank you Mark  Yes it is up to the urologist if they put in a catheter.  Because you have to pee before they will let you go home.  I have a problem peeing on demand.  So we talk and he felt it was best.  I even bring my sample to the office because I can't go if you tell me you need a sample.  Been like that all my life.   Have a good night  Ken And yes that is true I never have felt the implants  Have 4

    • Ron97203
      Ron97203 mark02906

      Posted

      Hi Mark, I just had my 1-week follow up consultation with Doc. I asked him about exercise.. he advised no strenuous, no running, no push-ups or sit-ups.. for at least another week. So pretty much, what others are saying here... around 3 weeks to be safe. He did say walking was OK and is recommended.
    • roger98537
      roger98537 Ron97203

      Posted

      Hello, men, I just had my UroLift yesterday and the Dr.'s discharge paper said no lifting more than 30 pounds in the first 2 days (that really surprised me). I asked him personally about that today at my post-op and he revised it saying nothing over 40 pounds in the first 2 days! I asked him about going back to the gym and he said fine in a few days but to reduce the resistence and gradually work back to normal over the course of a week. He said walking today (1st day after) is fine. 

    • mark02906
      mark02906 Ron97203

      Posted

      Thanks, Ron.  I did a walk yesterday (2 days after the procedure).  Now I am taking a 3 days off.  I appreciate the advice.  I don't want to do anything that would cause a redo.

    • mark02906
      mark02906 roger98537

      Posted

      My doc's advice was pretty much nothing besides walking the first week.  After that, I am slowly going to increase activity.  Looking forward to be able to jog again.  Tamsulosin took that away for me.  Others may not have had that reaction to the medicine.

  • michael72708
    michael72708 charles40613

    Posted

    I had the urolift about 2 yeras ago and for me it was worse than a failure. It irritated my urethra causing kidney function to deteriorate, causing mild hydronephrosis and led to catherizing 2-4 times a day to protect my kidneys. My friend had a urolift at the same time and also had no positive results. 

    Eventually I had a PAE with Dr Bagla with stellar results. My only lingering problem is when the prostate shrank one of those damn urolift clips became exposed in the urethra. I'm only writing to say I wish I never had the urolift and be wary of this elective surgery

Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.