What is UroLift?
UroLift (prostatic urethral lift) is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate. Instead of cutting, heating or removing tissue, small permanent implants are placed to hold the enlarged lobes of the prostate apart, like tie-backs on a curtain. This opens the urine channel immediately, so the stream improves quickly.
How the UroLift procedure is done
- Anaesthesia: often local anaesthesia with sedation, or a short general or spinal anaesthetic.
- Telescope: a delivery device is passed through the urethra to the prostate; there are no cuts.
- Implants: small implants are placed on each side to pull the prostate lobes away from the urine channel. Most men need about four to six.
- Going home: many men go home the same day, often without a catheter.
Who is UroLift suitable for?
- Men with bothersome urinary symptoms from BPH despite medicines, or who do not want long-term tablets
- Prostates of small to moderate size without a large, obstructing middle lobe
- Men who want to preserve ejaculation and erections
- Men who want a fast return to normal activity
Men with very large prostates, an obstructing middle lobe or urinary retention usually do better with HoLEP or TURP.
Benefits of UroLift
- Rapid symptom relief, often within two weeks
- No cutting, heating or removal of tissue
- Preserves erections and ejaculation in most men
- Often no catheter afterwards; quick return to routine
- Can be followed by other treatments later if needed
Recovery after UroLift
Most men return to normal light activities within a few days. Mild burning, urgency, frequency and some blood in the urine are common for one to two weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about a week, and drink plenty of fluids.
UroLift or Rezum?
Both are minimally invasive options that usually preserve sexual function. UroLift gives faster relief because it opens the channel immediately and often needs no catheter; Rezum shrinks the tissue gradually and can treat an enlarged middle lobe. For large prostates, HoLEP gives the most durable result. See Rezum water vapour therapy for a side-by-side table.
Tests before UroLift
An ultrasound measures prostate size and post-void residual urine, uroflowmetry checks the stream, a urine test excludes infection, and a PSA test is done where appropriate. A cystoscopy confirms the prostate shape and that there is no large middle lobe, which decides whether UroLift is suitable.
Possible side effects and durability
Temporary burning, urgency and blood in the urine are common in the first weeks. Less commonly there may be urinary infection or temporary difficulty passing urine. UroLift relieves symptoms for years in most men, but because tissue is not removed, some men need further treatment later as the prostate continues to grow.
What happens on the day of UroLift
You arrive fasting if sedation or anaesthesia is planned. After a short check, the procedure usually takes under an hour. Once you have passed urine and feel comfortable, you go home, often the same day. Someone should drive you home, and you should rest for the remainder of the day.
Who should not have UroLift
- Men with a large, obstructing middle lobe of the prostate
- Very large prostates, which are better treated with HoLEP
- Men in urinary retention with a catheter, in most cases
- Active urinary infection, until it has been treated
- Suspected prostate cancer, which must be evaluated first
Aftercare at home
- Drink plenty of water and avoid excess tea, coffee and alcohol for the first weeks
- Avoid heavy lifting, cycling and strenuous exercise for about a week
- Prevent constipation with fibre and fluids
- Sexual activity can usually resume after about a week, when comfortable
- Call the clinic if you have fever, cannot pass urine, or have heavy bleeding with clots
Why choose Dr. Nitin Negi for UroLift in Jaipur
Dr. Nitin Negi, MCh Urology, offers every modern option for an enlarged prostate, from medicines to Rezum, UroLift, TURP and HoLEP. That means your treatment is matched to your prostate size, symptoms and priorities, such as preserving ejaculation or avoiding a catheter, rather than to a single technique. Every option, along with its expected result and recovery, is explained clearly before you decide.
Why Dr. Nitin Negi
UroLift treatment in Jaipur with the best urologist in Jaipur
- MCh super-specialistMBBS, MS (Surgery), MCh in Genitourinary Surgery; clinical training at AIIMS, New Delhi.
- 25,000+ proceduresEndourological surgeries including RIRS, Mini-PERC, PCNL, HoLEP, TURiS and TURP.
- 150W Holmium laserRajasthan’s first, at ManglamPlus Medicity, for faster, safer stone and prostate surgery.
- Clear explanationsEvery option, risk and cost discussed before treatment; two convenient Jaipur locations.
Frequently asked questions
Are the UroLift implants permanent?
Yes. The small implants stay in place permanently and are not felt.
Will UroLift affect ejaculation?
UroLift preserves ejaculation and erections in most men, which is one of its main advantages.
How quickly does UroLift work?
Many men notice an improved stream within two weeks, faster than heat-based treatments.
Is UroLift done under general anaesthesia?
Not always. It is often done under local anaesthesia with sedation; a short spinal or general anaesthetic is used when more comfortable or when the prostate needs more implants.
Will I need a catheter after UroLift?
Most men do not. A catheter is used for a short time only if you have difficulty passing urine immediately after the procedure.
How long do UroLift results last?
Studies show symptom relief lasting for several years in most men. Because the prostate can keep growing, some men need a further treatment later.
Does UroLift interfere with future MRI scans?
The implants are generally considered MRI-conditional, meaning scans can be done safely under specified conditions. Always tell the scanning centre you have prostate implants.
Should I try medicines before UroLift?
Most men start with prostate medicines. UroLift is considered when symptoms remain bothersome, side effects are a problem, or you prefer not to take tablets for life.
Can I have TURP or HoLEP after UroLift?
Yes. If symptoms return, other treatments remain possible later.