Urolift ?

[stilton]

Anyone had this done ?

[Radgirl]

We are seeing them becoming popular.

The operation is far less invasive than removing prostate but only really works with a prostate of the right size and shape I am told so if a surgeon says he does loads beware he may be rather commercial and look for someone who offers the right operation for the right prostate. The kit takes some getting used to so make sure on the other hand you arent the first the surgeon is doing

I wonder if it is a procedure for the growing prostate that delays the need for more invasive operations for a few years. but yes we are seeing very happy patients

[CFD]

Yes - October last year. On the plus side very happy with the results, and as I said to the surgeon the out of pocket expenses were about the same as three years worth of medication payments so it worked out economically too. On the negative side was meant to be day surgery but afterwards I was literally pissing blood and had to overnight with a catheter. The surgeon said they normally put two or three of those rings in but he had put four into me... not totally sure why but he was very enthusiastic on doing the operation and thought I would be a great candidate due to my age (mid 50's). Released late the following day. Followed at home with a feeling of pissing needles for days ( that really hurt), turned out I developed an infection despite taking antibiotics for some days before the procedure to prevent this. Some more antibiotics later this was sorted, no pain and while I am not peeing like an eighteen year old its not that far off from it and a huge benefit to me mentally. For info if interested there is no interference with sexual function either which may well not be the case with some more radical procedures. Got the surgeon to write a letter for my DAME and the procedure was no problem as far as CASA was concerned. So a thumbs up for the procedure from me but concur that you might want to make sure your surgeon has done this many times before as mine had.

[stilton]

We are seeing them becoming popular.

The operation is far less invasive than removing prostate but only really works with a prostate of the right size and shape I am told so if a surgeon says he does loads beware he may be rather commercial and look for someone who offers the right operation for the right prostate. The kit takes some getting used to so make sure on the other hand you arent the first the surgeon is doing

I wonder if it is a procedure for the growing prostate that delays the need for more invasive operations for a few years. but yes we are seeing very happy patients


Could you elaborate on that ?


You say the kit takes some getting used to, I’m a bit confused, do you mean it takes a while for the patient to adjust to what is implanted or is it the surgical equipment required for the task requires an experienced surgeon ?


I have been considering this procedure, after living with BPH for many years


The other thing I find a bit off putting is the time frame benefit of this procedure only seems to be 3-4 years ?

[CFD]

I believe the surgery is a bit specialised, certainly my urologist did not do it but referred me to another of his colleagues that did ( and I think he used to train others too). I believe the data is for 5 years... but also believe that's because its a relatively new procedure and that's about as far back as the data goes.
I too lived with BPH for years - very frustrating having what is commonly referred to as an old mans disease when in my mid 40's. I am most certainly the youngest in the urologist office everytime I visit! .... finally stopped the medication as I did not like the side effects of interfering with sexual function ( I did try several alternatives). I think that was also on the mind of the surgeon when he decided I would be a good candidate. So to sum it up, for me, good flow afterwards and a happy wife!

Just realised this is the second time in a week that I have answered your medical queries - sounds like you and I have had some similar issues!

[stilton]

I believe the surgery is a bit specialised, certainly my urologist did not do it but referred me to another of his colleagues that did ( and I think he used to train others too). I believe the data is for 5 years... but also believe that's because its a relatively new procedure and that's about as far back as the data goes.
I too lived with BPH for years - very frustrating having what is commonly referred to as an old mans disease when in my mid 40's. I am most certainly the youngest in the urologist office everytime I visit! .... finally stopped the medication as I did not like the side effects of interfering with sexual function ( I did try several alternatives). I think that was also on the mind of the surgeon when he decided I would be a good candidate. So to sum it up, for me, good flow afterwards and a happy wife!

Just realised this is the second time in a week that I have answered your medical queries - sounds like you and I have had some similar issues!



Thank you CFD and for pointing out we’ve corresponded twice on these two issues, that’s remarkable.


The Urolift sounds promising but my priority is resolving my Hydrocele which is getting worse


If I may ask, which surgery did you have done first,? how long ago were they and what was the time between between the two procedures ?


It seems doubtful but are there any conflicting factors to consider between them ?


It sounds like the UL is performed in the Drs office with just a local whereas the HC is a hospital visit with full anesthesia?

[Radgirl]

You say the kit takes some getting used to, I’m a bit confused

Sorry if I confused you. The kit is a gun that has to be inserted and fired inside the urethra. It takes experience and training to get it right. The patient doesnt have to get used to anything. Some patients do have urgency for some hours but all our patients have gone home the same day. CFD's experience is unusual.

A hydrocele can be done at the same time with no problem. However urolift it more commonly done on younger men - the staples hold the two sides of the prostate up and away from the urethra in the same way as a tie on a curtain holds it up and to the side of the window. So when the prostate is too big to lift away the procedure wont work and you need a surgical removal.

[CFD]

My hydrocele surgery was done over 10 years ago and totally unrelated to the prostate surgery, was done in hospital under sedation and I believe I was in theatre less than 30 mins.

In Australia the Prostatic Urethral Lift is typically performed in hospital under sedation - at least that is my understanding.
They did a flexible cystoscopy on me the day before to check on suitability for the operation (under a local anaesthetic) and then on the day involved a rigid cystoscopy allowing the implants to be fitted (under sedation). Again it is my understanding that normally one would expect to be discharged on the day with possibly minor bleeding in the urine and stinging sensation when passing water. I have no recollection of the operation due to sedation.

I agree with Radgirl that my experience was unusual... its just life, not everyone is the same and I would take any information from Radgirl as way more knowledgeable than mine - mine are just opinions from personal experience and I have no medical background.

I do not know what country you live in and it is well possible that the procedures are done in different locations and under different levels of anaesthesia. I believe the operation in Australia only started in 2013 so did not exist when I started having BPH issues - also explains the absence of more long term data on the long term success. But again - I am more than happy with the outcome. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[stilton]

Sorry if I confused you. The kit is a gun that has to be inserted and fired inside the urethra. It takes experience and training to get it right. The patient doesnt have to get used to anything. Some patients do have urgency for some hours but all our patients have gone home the same day. CFD's experience is unusual.

A hydrocele can be done at the same time with no problem. However urolift it more commonly done on younger men - the staples hold the two sides of the prostate up and away from the urethra in the same way as a tie on a curtain holds it up and to the side of the window. So when the prostate is too big to lift away the procedure wont work and you need a surgical removal.


Thank you for your reply


That clarifies things, I am 57 years old so not sure how suitable I am for the Ulift procedure but the Hydrocele is a priority


The idea of doing both at once is interesting but it does seem like a lot of trauma at once


Do you have any further information regarding how long the Urolift is normally effective?

[stilton]

My hydrocele surgery was done over 10 years ago and totally unrelated to the prostate surgery, was done in hospital under sedation and I believe I was in theatre less than 30 mins.

In Australia the Prostatic Urethral Lift is typically performed in hospital under sedation - at least that is my understanding.
They did a flexible cystoscopy on me the day before to check on suitability for the operation (under a local anaesthetic) and then on the day involved a rigid cystoscopy allowing the implants to be fitted (under sedation). Again it is my understanding that normally one would expect to be discharged on the day with possibly minor bleeding in the urine and stinging sensation when passing water. I have no recollection of the operation due to sedation.

I agree with Radgirl that my experience was unusual... its just life, not everyone is the same and I would take any information from Radgirl as way more knowledgeable than mine - mine are just opinions from personal experience and I have no medical background.

I do not know what country you live in and it is well possible that the procedures are done in different locations and under different levels of anaesthesia. I believe the operation in Australia only started in 2013 so did not exist when I started having BPH issues - also explains the absence of more long term data on the long term success. But again - I am more than happy with the outcome. Good luck with whatever you decide.


Thank you for your reply


Just to clarify, how long ago did you have the Prostatic Urethral Lift and is that the same as the Urolift just a different name ?


Was your Hydrocele surgery free of complications and a permanent fix for that issue ?


I live in the US (Florida) and they have just started allowing elective surgeries again after a several month hold due to CV19

[CFD]

Hydrocele surgery was over 12 years ago - I have had no further issues.

Prostatic Urethral Lift is the procedure - I believe urolift is the registered trade name.... so the same thing.
I had the urolift done in last September or October.
Just for info I was 56 so see little difference in our ages - the urologists regarded me as basically quite young to be having the BPH issues bearing in mind they started around age 46 or so for me.

[stilton]

Hydrocele surgery was over 12 years ago - I have had no further issues.

Prostatic Urethral Lift is the procedure - I believe urolift is the registered trade name.... so the same thing.
I had the urolift done in last September or October.
Just for info I was 56 so see little difference in our ages - the urologists regarded me as basically quite young to be having the BPH issues bearing in mind they started around age 46 or so for me.


Ok well thanks again


I will let you know how it goes, best wishes and good health

[421dog]

Not a urologist, but as a general surgeon who’s fixed thousands of hydrocoeles over his career, that is an “unrelated nothingburger” compared to your need for prostate help. Hydroceles literally only involve incising and turning inside-out a portion of the abnormal fluid-containing sac attached to your spermatic cord or other testicular structure. Local anaesthetic not a big deal...

[Alniter]

Anyone had this done ?


I had this done in July of 2018. My neurologist didn't bother to tell me it would only last a few years or I would not have done it. On closer inspection, the company's own documentation says the average is 5 years. I had it done and loved it. On the strength of my story. Two friends also had it done within the year. None of them lasted quite 2 years. That's a lot of expense every couple of years, and I don't even want to tell you what they do. But it can be found visually on the internet. That alone should stop you. I'm getting TURP early next year, which should last a lot longer.. online