A very important large clinical study was presented at the European Association of Urology 2021 Annual Meeting (EAU 2021). The findings from the largest United States analysis for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) reveal that overall complication rates are lowest after treatment with the Urolift® System when compared to surgery and other minimally invasive procedures.
The study clearly demonstrates that complication rates following surgery for BPH are higher than treatment with the minimally invasive Urolift® System. Dr. Daniel Rukstalis explains the importance of this study as research in the area of surgical or minimally invasive procedures for BPH is sparse. “We found the UroLift System had the lowest overall rate of complications at 300-days post-treatment,” says Dr. Rukstalis1.
As an early user of the Urolift® System and a certified Urolift® Center of Excellence2, and certified instructor for the Urolift technique, I am very excited to see clinical data that confirms the excellent outcomes my BPH patients experience in my private urology practice. Treating men with BPH, also known as enlarged prostate, is a major focus for minimally invasive treatments at Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center.
Many of my patients are surprised to learn that over 40 million men in the United States are affected by BPH. This condition occurs when the prostate gland that surrounds the male urethra becomes enlarged with advancing age and begins to obstruct the urinary system. While BPH is not life-threatening, the symptoms include interrupted sleep, daytime frequent urination, leakage of urine and an urgent need to urinate. Sometimes, it’s not possible to get to the bathroom in time! Urinary problems can cause loss of productivity, depression and decreased quality of life.
While medication has been the first-line therapy for enlarged prostate in the past, the treatment is often inadequate. Many patients do not experience adequate relief of symptoms. There are a number of side effects including, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, episodes of falling down and headaches. AND, NOW THERE IS MEDICAL DATA THAT SHOWS MEDICATION HAS BEEN LINKED TO DEMENTIA AND DEPRESSION.
When medication does not improve the quality of life for patients, the next treatment alternative often recommended by urologists is surgery. Unfortunately, surgery requires cutting, heating and/or removal of the prostate tissue to open the blocked urethra and can have numerous complications.
This large study documents that while surgical options can be effective in relieving symptoms, they can also leave patients with permanent side effects such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation.
With the FDA approved in-office Prostatic Urethral Lift Procedure we now have a truly minimally invasive procedure that affords patients the relief of symptoms without the effects and complications of surgery or medications. If you’re taking a medication, you should know that Urolift is 3 times as effective as any medication for prostate growth symptoms.
The FDA-cleared Prostatic Urethral Lift procedure using the UroLift® System is a clinically proven, minimally invasive technology for treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH. If you would like to treat your BPH and learn more about the UroLift® System - done in an outpatient setting without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue, call to schedule your consultation.
