The Urolift procedure; patient views and questions

Hi Johnp, Thanks for that info. I have an appoint with a URO who does URO LIFT in May. I have complete urine retention,cannot NV without CIC,I hope i can quailfy for this procedure. Did you have complete urine retention also?

Thanks looking forward to your reply,

frank

Thsnks for posting. I am considering PAE, FLA, or Urolift. Of the 3 Urolift seems the most "user friendly". Looking forward to see how it goes for you as the other teo procedures have mixed reviews.

Rick

Urolift was my first choice.  Then I read about one patients experience with the pins coming loose and ripping his innards as they floated around his body.

After that it no longer seemed, to me, to be a good idea to nail pins into a living, growing, changing, human body.

No Frank, I didn't have complete urine retention.  However, the retention was quite large.  Because of that my previous uro had me start self-cathing twice a day.  When I was going through the testing for Urolift, my retention amount was still quite high, and I had been measuring myself for a week or so before my first meeting the the uro that ultimately did the procedure, so that he had more data to go on.  I wish you the best of luck when you see your specialist on May.

I'd be willing to bet that the patient that had this bad experience is really the anomoly.  I would share your concern if this type of issue were more common.  I'd suggest that you talk with your uro about any negative reactions or outcomes, and see what he says.  You could also ask him to do a literature search about such responses or outcomes, and there might be something there.  Maybe the urolift company would be able to shed some light on such outcomes.  It might not hurt to ask them.  I found them to be really quickly responsive to a couple of e-mails that I sent directly to the company when I was doing my investigation.

Hi Johnp, Thanks for that info. Could you tell me what kind of testing the URO put you through for the uro lift?

Thanks ,very much,

frank,

Yes, I had an ultra sound test of the prostate and bladder, partly to measure the size of the prostate, then a test where they inserted a tiny video camera into the urethra and all the way up into the bladder to see if there were any problems there instead of the prostate, and to see if there is that middle node on the prostate that can almost automatically make you ineligible for the urolift.  I can't remember the name of the test right now.  Then I had to go back for a second test: the urodynamics testing, where there are sensors inserted into the rectum (it was really small), and catheter type instruments inserted into the penis and up to the prostate to see what the pressure is like when you urinate.  None of it was painful at all - probably in part because I had been self-cathing.  Weird, but not painful.  All of the testing took about 2 hours over 2 days.   Based upon the testing results my urologist said I was a good candidate for the procedure.  And the rest, as they say, is history.  Good luck.

John...My name is Jack and I am 75 yrs young and I had Uro Lift on Dec. 12th, 2016.  It was a wise decision to have it done from my perspective.  I had considerable retention in one kidney and was beginning to experience incontinence at night when I was sleeping.  Tests were extensive including ultra sound through my anus that was a easy.  My Urologist also refused to do the surgery unless I allowed him to insert a scope through my penis to look and project my prostate onto a Computer Screen to determine that I did not have an enlarged median lobe that would have disqualified me for the surgery.  Muster the courage to do this John and it should hopefully do the job for you as it did for me.  Blessings and good luck John.

Thank you so much for this info. I had the urodynamics test and the cystoscopy.Because i could not pee during the uroynamics test my uro said i had a 50 or 60% chance after surgery that i would be able to NV.   Were you able to void during this test?

Thanks again for this info.

frank

Yes I was able to void during the test.  It was also on what I termed a bad day as I was having difficulties being able to void.  But as a result of the tests, I was still a candidate.  Now I can say that I am so glad that I had the urolift done!!

Thank you very much for that info Johnp.

Frank

Hi,Johnip, Sounds like you had a great URO that did the uro lift.What is his name? What city would i find him?

Thanks 

frank

I had the urolift done in April of 2015.  All was good for me.  In december of 2015 I got a prostate infection was on cispro 1000mg for a month.  When My doctor check in Feb 2016 ( I have a stricture and have it checked every 3 month )  He found out that one of the implants got loose because my prostate got smaller.  I never felt it at all.  A never feel them anytime.  I had it repaired a few weeks later and all have been fine going on 2 years  Take care  Ken 

Frank - My urologist's name is Ali Sarram. He is with Advanced Urology in Denver, CO.  When I first saw him last fall (November i think) he had done about 50 urolift procedures, the most of anyone in CO at that time.  He had done close to 80 when he did mine last week.  I understand he is also teaching other doctors from around the country how to do the procedure.  He was the first doc in CO to do the procedure in his office, which occurred last June.  He is a great guy, and has a really pleasant bedside manner.  Quite focused on what he is doing for his patients.

Good evening Frank  I don't know if I sent you this information before that my doctor sent me.  I am going to type it just the way he sent it.  There is no study showing that the Urolift get patients out of urinary retention.  But in my experience when I have a elderly patient that is not a candidate for more invasive surgery.  I have had success getting patients out of retention using Urolift. ( I didn't have another choice really.  And I will not put any patient through any of the gold standed surgery ) There is no guarantee with any procedure.  CIC is not harder after urolift.  It may even make it easier.  You just have find one to do it for you.  Take care Frank  Ken  

Hi Ken, Thank you so much for that info.I'm going to see a URO in May that does uro lift.If he says i quailfy  then i will have it done?I'm glad for JIm 

telling and showing me how to cic.This forum has been great news.

Thanks 

frank,

Johnip- Thanks for that info.I live in Chicago. It's something i should consider.Getting the right doctor is so important.I hope your doing well after the uro lift.

Thanks,

frank

Frank,

I am sure you will, but be sure to ask the doctor, how many men he has treated with Urolift who had acute urinary retention (i.e. cannot void without a catheter) and what kind of results he got. 

Jim

Good luck to you my friend  Ken

hi john,

I'm day plus 1 on the procedure which was carried out at Sunderland City Hospital under general anthestetic so don't have any info during the procedure. I woke in recovery with a catheter in place which was showing bloodied urine which didn't appear to be clearing. A guy in the next bed who had been seen prior to myself was not cathetered, as he had little bleeding. I had a constant feeling of wanting to urinate and they found the catheter was blocked wit blood clots, after backflushing it started to flow and clear up somewhat. After an hour or so they removed the catheter and once I had peed normaly a couple of times I was allowed home. The guy who had been seen prior to me had still nor passed urine so was still there when I left so hope he managed.

I must say that I feel a very bad stinging at the end of my uretha every time I pass urine, I needed to go frequently with small amounts of urine each time. Overnight I had to get up 4 times but I think I may be reluctant to let things  go completely because of the stinging which is very uncomfortable. I had 3 clips fitted as did the other Guy.

Its too early to say yet how successfull its been but I do think the urine is flowing freely and once the stinging subsides at the end of my penis I may be able to pass urine frreely without hesitation. Will update soon on progress but I do expect it to be positive

 

Give your self some time.  It will get better.  It take 2 to 4 weeks to see more of a improvement.  I had mine done 2 years ago and it is great.  After I never took another pill.  I had the stinging the first 24 hours after they took the catheter out.  I had it for 3 days.  I have a problem peeing on demand so me and my doctor agreed on the catheter.  I would rather have it put in when I'm out they have to go to the ER and have one put in.  Sometimes that happens.  Make sure you drink alot of water and juice.  Stay away from tea and coffee.  They irritate the bladder.  Take care and relax  Ken 

Mervyn,

I agree with Kenneth. I also had the initial pain/burning at the tip for a couple days.  However, my urologist had given me a blue pill, forgot the name, that gave me tremendous relief.  That pain went away quickly however and things have been great now for over a year.  I had 5 fasteners put in and it has made a great difference in frequency and urgency, which were my biggest issues.  Good luck.  Bob

 

Glad it helped you buddy.  I forgot to say I had 4 implants put in.  All is well with the world.  Here something I need to ask you guys.  This is a little personnal.  How are your orgasm.   I allways had a good orgasm but after the urolift they seam to be more intence.  I asked my doctor he can't be sure but it may. Nothing on the trials on that.  Take care  ken 

Stinging at tip is normal. You should have daily improvement. My procedure was last July and as I recall now I was pain free by the 10 day mark. Best to you!

Mervyn - I agree with what Ken and Bob have said.  My urologist told me before the procedure that he typically does not put in catheters, and he thought that I was an especially good candidate NOT to have one because I had been self-cathing for about 2 years.  He was right because it wasn't necessary.  I only had minimal pain for less than a day, in actuality.  Hang in there because it does get better!  You should really, I hope, notice a great deal of difference once the cath is removed.  Good luck.

Ken - In my case, the doc only gave me the go ahead for intercourse last Friday, being 2 weeks post procedure.  My one orgasm since then was about par for what I had felt before, in terms of intensity.  But we shall see.  I hope that you are correct on the intensity issue, however.

Maybe it will get better has you heal.  Yes they do tell you to wait 2 to 4 week to have sex after. I waited 10 days and mateubated all was well.  Good luck to you   Ken

I been on Global l for many years ,started on cealis 6 months ago having Urolif next Tuesday ,will I be able to get of meds and get erection After Urolif Paul

Flomax

I didn't have any problems whatsoever erection wise.  However, I am taking Cialis, and I had been for some time as it was helping with my BPH for a number of years.  The doc's PA gave me a RX for Cialis when I saw her last Friday.  It just sucked over the years that the health insurance carrier refused to cover it as a treatment - especially since I was in Latin America a couple years ago, and I was able to purchase a 30 day supply of 5 mg tablets for $70.  But here it is almost $300 for the same quantity.

I've been on Flomax for about five years just recently started Cialis to get an erection do you think the Urolift procedure will be able to get rid of those meds

and have sex without Cialis

I am in the USA Blue Cross Blue Shield will pay for Cialis with note from Doctor . My insurance just change to Cigna which is good because Cigna will pay for the Urolif and Blue Cross Blue Shield won't but Cigna won't pay for Ciales.

I can go to Mexico and get it at the Walmart down there without a prescription. Such a fragmented Healthcare System we have

I think there's some reputable Canadian drug companies to that you can email the prescription to

Getting off flomax will be a start.  Cialis or viagra 100mg should help you.  I take viagra 100mg it helps me but I also have high blood pressure and stage 2 surger.  I wish you luck.  Give yourself a little time to get the flomax out of your systom  Take care  ken

Yes you can get it from Canada  That is were I get mine/  140 pill for $147

Just wanted to thank everyone for this site, I'm a little scared cuz I'm going to have Urolift next week .It helps me to here from you who have had it done. Paul

Paul  I think you will be fine  Have you talk to your doctor about having a catheter for a few day.  It all depends if you have trouble peeing.  I can't pee on demand so I had the catheter for 3 day.  I went home a hour after it was done.  I would rather have it put in while i'm out they later having a problem and going to the ER and having it put in.  Also the first day you have the catheter out I wore a male pad because I did not know if I could control it  I am glad I dod after they removed the catheter I went out.  It took me 15 minutes to get there when I got there I have to go to the bathroom and did not make it out of the car.  I ent right there The pad held it all.  Went inside and change the pad and was good all day.  It nice to be prepared  Take it easy  Ken 

Thanks I sure I will be fine.

Take care  Paul  Ken

I am now 3 months after receiving my UroLIFT - same as you I got 6 implants or "staples". Doc made a comment that during the procedure 1 of the implants failed and - either he had to re-insert that 1, OR, possibly I was left with five. Anyway it was performed In-office under local anaesthetic. I was given a Hydrcodone and a Diazepam about an hour before the surgery. Everything seemed to go well.

Then, 36 hours after the procedure, I was trying to urinate again, using a straight catheter.  Bleeding was expected, I had used cath the previous day.  Something happened -- I heard an audible POP down there.  Something definitely broke loose - this was followed by a very bloody p*ss.  No pain, but I called the Doc and they instructed me to "Watch and Wait".. things seemed OK the next day. Next week I had my follow up Appt with Doc and again his instructions were to monitor and continue healing.

Well it DID heal up... BUT I'm not producing a full stream, it's very weak - AS IF - there is still some obstruction down there. ON the positive side, I am able to urinate better than before the UroLIFT, but that's not saying much - I was in full chronic retention before. Overall in my current condition, I'd have to rate the UroLIFT as a FAILURE since I'm still forced to use a catheter - I woiuld estimate I'm only voiding around 10% of my volume. And yes, the Doc did perform a Urodynamic Study before procedure, as evidence that my bladder is working OK -- with expectation that UroLIFT "should" allow me to resume normal function!

So -- right now I'm considering a second opinion. Insurance says they support that idea. Obviously, in order to diagnose any problem I would need a full Cystoscopy, to look in there and examine the implants and see if one, in fact, DID fail as I suspect. I am also going to contact Neotract and get their opinion on how to proceed. Can the failed implant be repaired?

Another issue to consider, for ANYONE considering a UroLIFT -- I'm in a major metropolitan American city and it appears there are only 3 or 4 Urologists who are experienced at this and only ONE according to Neotract - who has performed at least a dozen UroLIFT cases. I have called around, and it would appear that 90% of Urologists have zero experience... the procedure is still SO new that apparently it's considered experimental by the majority of doctors?

Gentlemen - Well, I'm 6 weeks post procedure.  Again, for me anyway, Best. Decision. Ever!  I saw the physician's assistant 2 weeks after the procedure, and my post void residual was about 275.  The PA wasn't happy with that, and neither was I.  She said that I needed to stay on the dutasteride for some time into the future.  Thus, while the ability to urinate was great, the appointment was disappointing overall.  I saw the urologist 4 weeks after the procedure and he was very happy with the overall results.  While my post void residual was about 240, this was an improvement over the previous 2 weeks, and the strengthening of the urination (I can't remember the name of the test) was a huge improvement over that same test prior to the procedure.  He was very happy with the PVR because my previous usual PVR was between 600 to 800.  He thought that over time this too will decrease.  He also told me to complete my prescription of dutasteride, and stay off of it at least until my next appointment (in 3 more months), as he wants to see how I do without the medicine.  He is hopeful (as am I) that I can continue to stay off of the meds.  I've now been off the meds for about 10 days, and while I never really saw any improvement with them (except Cialis, as I've written before), I am not seeing any difference not taking it - except in my wallet.  I still have to get up once a night about 4 or 5 times a week.  However, the overall benefits that the Urolift procedure have given me make up for that minor inconvenience (even when I've gone camping since the procedure).  Sex has been fine post procedure, and the doc said that I could start riding my bike again. He suggested I buy a different saddle for the bike, which doesn't put pressure on the prostate area.  I will be doing so shortly.  I hope that this little story provides some hope and help to those others on here who have had issues post procedure (hang in there guys), as well as for those doing their due diligence prior to the procedure (remember to ask lots of questions).  Lastly, I want to give a huge thumbs up to Dr. Ali Sarram at Advanced Urology in Denver.  He has been a tremedous doctor to work with for this procedure.

Hi John,

Glad your happy with the decision. Given your PVR, are you also on Tamsulosin (Flomax)? In all due respect to your PA, that would make more sense than Duasteride, which personally I would stop taking because of the side effects. Also, your increased flow (with still a moderate PVR) suggests more a bladder issue than an obstruction. So again, Duasteride doesn't make sense since that deals with the obstruction while Tamsulosin can help with the bladder. An alternative to Tamsulosin is 5 Mg Daily Cialis. Studies (and personal experience) show similar results to Tamsulosin without retro ejaculation. 

At this point, I would monitor PVR every 3 months but should it not decrease you might consider self catherization (CIC) to decompress and rehab the bladder. It could only be a temporary thing until the bladder hopefully regains some more elasticity.

Jim

OK. I've seen you've tried Cialis. I'd go back at this point and see if it makes a differnce post urololift. That or flomax. 

Best prostate friendly bicycle seat I've found are the split design ISM seats. I have the touring model but they have also have even softer seats and on the other end of the spectrum they have a racing line. Much better IMO then the "pogo" seat models. 

Jim

Jim - I can tried Flomax a few years ago, however, it gave me bad side effects.  It worked well, but the fainting, dizziness were too much.  My personal experience with the 5mg Cialis daily is the same as yours, which was very good.  My doc also was of the opinion that the PVR was bladder related.  He felt that over time the PVR would decrease.  I've also tried, although admittedly without a great deal of success, to urinate on demand again 10 to 15 minutes after I have previously had to urinate to further empty the bladder.  My doc is monitoring the PVR at all appointments.  I'm very hopefully going forward.  Thanks for the comments.

I've found a saddle by Infinity Bike Seats that was developed by a chiropractor in California.  It was used by some riders in Race Across America.  They are pricey; however, with their guarantee, I think I'm going to try that route.  If it doesn't work, I'll check out ISM seats.

OK but seriously consider getting off the Duasteride. I just don't see the point at all. And back to self catherization, given your pre-urolift PVR, you probably should have done it pre-op for a better result but you can still possibly rehab it post urolift if you can't get your PVR under 200 in the near future becaus PVR's tend to go up (not down) if not treated.

Jim

I've been off the dutasteride for about 10 days now.  No meds at all, per the urologist's orders, as we wants to see how I do without any meds.

After I had my urolift I took no meds was good to go in a week.  Gook luck  Ken

I looked at their site but from appearance and design don't look as protective as the split ISM. Post op, I'd go more protective and then segue into something like Infinity if you felt you needed more performance. If you want a race seat, ISM has it, but the touring model is a good compromise given your situation. I think I paid around $100 and I'm sure you could get it somewhere with a 30 day return. It took about an hour to get used to it (felt strange the first hour) but after that I wasn't even aware I was on a bike seat. Almost all weight is on rear the cosix (sp?) and none on the prostate. The Infinity model looks like it's trying to cradle the prostate but I just don't see it giving as much protection as a split. It does look more like a normal bike seat, however, if that is a plus.

Jim

When is going to scan you next? Personally, given your situation, I'd want to be scanned again within 60 days max.

Correction: I have their "sport" seat, not the "touring". The touring is their original model and more padded. That said, I found the sport model enough.

Jim,I am doing the urodynamics test again on May 25.No one has mentioned givin me an antibiotic before the test. I remember you saying i should take an antibiotic before to prevent infection? is my memory correct?

thanks,

frank

Jim correction--the test will be on June 2nd.

frank

Yes, memory correct They often give you (one pill or more) at the time of the procedure. If not, ask, especially if you are suspectible to UTIs.

Jim

"...there are only 3 or 4 Urologists who are experienced at this and only ONE according to Neotract - who has performed at least a dozen UroLIFT cases. I have called around, and it would appear that 90% of Urologists have zero experience... "

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Agree, part of the decision to go with a particular Doctor would be a review of their familiarity as well as successful use of the product. One unwilling to discuss their overall experience might be avoided.  My dodctor had supposedly done about 50.  And even then, my appointment was made to include a NeoTract rep who sat side by side with the doctor and watched and actually discussed placement as the procedure proceeded ( I too was awake with only valium and oxy) 

Did you have a rep there?  Anyway, very sorry to hear of your situation and hope you find resolution. 

Bill

Ron - Sorry to hear about your outcome.  I hope that it turns out to be temporary.  I would think about asking the uro to do a cytoscopy soon.  If one of the implants failed (as it sounds like may have occurred) maybe between Neotract and your uro and your insurance carrier there could be an agreement for an additional implantation made at no charge? Certainly it may be something to look into.  Also, I don't live in Denver, but I had to go to Denver in order to find a doctor with experience in doing the procedure.  There was a local urologist that had done a few, and he was the one that referred me to Dr. Sarram, even though the local guy and Dr. Sarram were on the Neotract website.  Dr. Sarram had done about 50 when I first meet with him, and approximately 70 or 75 by the time he did mine.  He is also teaching other urologists how to do the procedure.  I hope that there is a better solution to your situation, other than having to continue with the self cathing.  Good luck, and keep everyone posted.

Ditto!  There are a number of doctors on the Neotract website located in Colorado, where I am.  I placed calls to 3 or 4 of the offices, but only spoke by phone with one of the doctors, and he had only done 5 at the time we talked.  He referred me to Dr. Sarram in Denver in part because he told me durng our conversation that at a conference last fall (2016) that Sarram had made a presentation about Urolift, and at that time he had performed about 40 or so procedures.

When I had the urodynamics testing done, Sarram's nurse told me that periodically a Neotract rep was present.  The rep was present when Sarram did my procedure, but I don't remember her saying anything during it.  I was concentrating on other things, and the valium made me not really care!

Afterwards, however, the rep told my partner and I that the company was going to be releasing a 5-year follow up study sometime this month at a urology conference.  I would be very interested in reading those results. Also, when I had my follow up visit with the urologist 2 weeks ago, he was teaching 2 other doctors from Aspen about the procedure.  Apparently, this is a somewhat common occurance.

The bottom line is that anyone thinking of doing this procedure must ask lots of questions, and don't settle for evasive answers from the doctor!

Hey Ron.  Glad things are doing some what better for you Ask the doctor if he did put the six one in.  I had mine done over 2 years ago had 4 put in a year later I had to have one repaired My prostate got smaller.  Never felt it.  I have a stricture just before the prostate.  I have it checked ever 3 or 4 months to make sure its doing ok.  When he checked he found that one of the implates let loose never felt it.  He try to fix it in the office but it hurt like hell.  Had it fix a few weeks later He put in a new one and tighting the other 3.  Doing great  I would never have anything else done.  Not going to deal with the side effect of the other surgery. Maybe you have a stricture know.  Got mine for kidney stones 13 years ago  Ken 

Hi Jim, Today i had watermelon ,decafe coffee ,and my ouput was 550 ml.not this much in long time. I believe your consumtion of liquids has a lot to do with your urine output,I'm i right on this?

frank,

Yes, In general, the more liquids you consume, the more urine output. Sometimes, however, if you have a meal high in sodium (salt), then fluid can be temporarily retained but eventually it will come out.

Jim

Hi Ron,Very interesting info,thanks for that.I don't understand how the Uro LIft went bad ,after they first did a urodynamics and you passed that test. I hope your feeling better.I have the same problem retention and also failed urodynamics test.

frank,

What is contact for Urolift?

Hi John It has been a few months since your procedure. How have things been going for you?

Rick

Hi Johnp, Thanks for your info. My URO said  Uro- Lift will not work for me , as i have complete urine retention, no natural void .Maybe i should see another urologist.

What kind of testing did your urologist do?

Thanks Johnp

frank,