An enlarged prostate is a common condition that affects many men as they grow older. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it occurs when the prostate gland increases in size and begins to press against the urethra, restricting the normal flow of urine.
As the prostate enlarges, it may cause symptoms such as a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination and waking at night to pass urine. Over time, these symptoms can affect quality of life.
Medication is often recommended as an initial treatment. However, medicines may not provide sufficient symptom relief for everyone, and some patients may experience unwanted side effects or prefer to avoid taking long-term medication.
For appropriately selected patients, UroLift Singapore offers a minimally invasive alternative that relieves urinary obstruction without cutting, heating or removing prostate tissue. Following a comprehensive assessment, our urologist can determine whether this treatment is suitable or whether another management approach would be more appropriate.
What Is the UroLift® System?
The UroLift treatment is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate.
Small permanent implants lift the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, creating a wider channel for urine flow without removing prostate tissue.
The UroLift System does not involve:
- No cutting of prostate tissue
- No heating or destruction of tissue
- No removal of prostate tissue
- No external surgical incisions
Because no prostate tissue is removed, recovery is generally quicker than with more invasive surgery, although recovery varies between individuals.
How Does the UroLift Procedure Work?
The UroLift procedure is performed through the natural urinary passage, meaning there are no external cuts or surgical incisions.
Step 1: Accessing the Prostate
A specialised delivery device is gently inserted through the urethra until it reaches the enlarged prostate.
Step 2: Placing the Implants
Small permanent implants are positioned within the prostate to pull the enlarged tissue away from the urethra.
Step 3: Improving Urine Flow
Once the obstructing tissue has been lifted aside, the urethra becomes more open, allowing urine to flow more freely.
The implants remain permanently in place, while future treatment options remain available if needed.
What Symptoms Can UroLift Help Improve?
Men with prostate enlargement commonly experience symptoms caused by obstruction of the urinary tract.
Symptoms that may improve include:
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent urination
- Waking several times during the night to urinate
- Sudden urinary urgency
- A feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely
Enlarged prostate treatment aims to reduce urinary obstruction, improve bladder emptying and help patients return to normal daily activities with fewer interruptions.
Symptom improvement varies depending on prostate anatomy, symptom severity and individual response to treatment.
Benefits of the UroLift Procedure
For appropriately selected patients, the UroLift System offers several potential advantages.
| Benefit | UroLift |
|---|---|
| Minimally invasive prostate treatment | ✓ |
| No prostate tissue removed | ✓ |
| Rapid recovery | ✓ |
| Usually performed as a same-day procedure | ✓ |
| Preserves sexual function in appropriate patients | ✓ |
| Alternative to long-term medication | ✓ |
The UroLift System is performed through the urethra without external incisions and without removing prostate tissue. For appropriately selected patients, it may provide symptom relief while reducing the need for long-term medication. Clinical studies have also demonstrated preservation of erectile and ejaculatory function in appropriate candidates, although individual outcomes may vary.
Although these benefits are well recognised, the expected outcome depends on each patient’s symptoms, prostate anatomy and overall health.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for UroLift?
Not every patient with an enlarged prostate is suitable for this procedure. Determining whether UroLift is appropriate requires a detailed assessment by our urologist.
Your assessment may include:
Review of urinary symptoms
Review of urinary symptoms
Medical history
Medical history
Physical examination
Physical examination
Prostate size assessment
Prostate size assessment
Ultrasound imaging
Ultrasound imaging
Urine flow testing
Urine flow testing
Measurement of residual urine after voiding
Measurement of residual urine after voiding
Cystoscopy where appropriate
Cystoscopy where appropriate
These investigations help determine whether UroLift is suitable or whether another treatment option may provide better long-term outcomes.
Patients with significantly enlarged prostates, certain anatomical variations or other urinary tract conditions may be better suited to alternative treatment approaches based on their individual clinical findings.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The prostate lift procedure is usually performed as a day procedure, allowing many patients to return home on the same day.
Depending on your individual circumstances, the procedure may be performed under local or general anaesthesia. Our urologist will recommend the most appropriate option during your consultation.
The procedure generally takes less than one hour and is performed through the urethra without any external incisions. Once the implants have been placed to hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, many patients can return home after a short period of observation.
Recovery After UroLift
Most patients experience a relatively quick recovery, although healing varies between individuals.
Mild burning during urination, small amounts of blood in the urine, urinary urgency and mild pelvic discomfort are common during the first few days after the procedure. These symptoms usually improve over the following weeks.
UroLift Recovery Timeline
| Time | What You May Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mild discomfort, burning during urination, urinary urgency or small amounts of blood in the urine may occur. Rest and adequate hydration are encouraged. |
| Week 1 | Temporary urinary irritation continues to improve. Many patients are able to resume light daily activities if they feel comfortable. |
| Week 2 | Most patients have returned to their usual routine, although recovery varies depending on individual progress and their urologist's advice. |
| Week 4 | Temporary symptoms have usually settled, and improvements in urinary flow become more noticeable for many patients. |
The UroLift recovery period is generally shorter than that following some more invasive prostate procedures, although recovery varies between individuals. Our urologist will advise when it is appropriate to resume work, exercise and other normal activities.
Will UroLift Affect Sexual Function?
One reason some patients choose the UroLift System is its potential to preserve sexual function.
Clinical studies have shown preservation of both erectile and ejaculatory function in appropriately selected patients because the procedure does not remove or destroy prostate tissue. Unlike some traditional surgical treatments for prostate enlargement, it is designed to relieve urinary obstruction while minimising the risk of affecting these functions.
Although published evidence has demonstrated favourable outcomes, individual results vary. Our urologist will discuss the expected benefits and potential risks based on your symptoms and prostate anatomy.
UroLift vs Other Enlarged Prostate Treatments
Several treatment options are available for urinary symptoms caused by prostate enlargement. The most appropriate option depends on the severity of symptoms, prostate anatomy and your individual treatment goals.
| Treatment | Medication | UroLift | TURP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term medication | Yes | No | No |
| Removes prostate tissue | No | No | Yes |
| Hospital stay | No | Usually No | Usually Yes |
| Recovery | Immediate | Fast | Longer |
| Sexual side effects | Possible | May have a lower risk of affecting sexual function | May have a higher risk of affecting sexual function |
The likelihood of side effects varies depending on the individual and the treatment performed. Your urologist will discuss the potential risks and benefits of each option.
When Should You See Our Urologist?
Persistent urinary symptoms should not be ignored, particularly if they begin affecting your daily activities or quality of life.
You should consider seeing our urologist if you experience:
- Poor urine flow
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent urination
- Waking several times at night to urinate
- Sudden urinary urgency
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinary retention
- Blood in the urine
Early assessment helps determine whether your symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate or another urinary tract condition. At URODOC, Dr Lee Fang Jann provides a comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your prostate anatomy, symptom severity and individual health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UroLift permanent?
The implants are intended to remain permanently within the prostate. If symptoms recur in the future, additional treatment options remain available.
How long does UroLift last?
Studies have demonstrated durable symptom relief for many patients over several years. However, outcomes vary, and some patients may require further treatment over time.
Can I still have an MRI?
Yes. The implants are MRI-conditional. Patients should inform healthcare providers that they have UroLift implants before undergoing an MRI scan.
Will I need a catheter?
Many patients do not require a catheter after the procedure. However, some may temporarily need one depending on their urinary function and recovery.
Can the prostate enlarge again?
Yes. The prostate can continue to enlarge with age. Although the UroLift System relieves urinary obstruction, some patients may require further treatment in the future.
