Urolift

Innovation Type: Medical Device

Speciality: Urology

Innovation Origin: NHS England MedTech Funding Mandate, Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC)

Minimally invasive alternative to the TURP procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Prostatic urethral lift systems are an alternative surgical procedure for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The existing treatments (TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) or laser) involve cutting away or removing existing tissue and require an average hospital stay of 3 days and often catheterisation for many days post-surgery. 

Prostatic urethral lift systems, one of which is Urolift, use adjustable, permanent implants to pull excess prostatic tissue away so that it does not narrow or block the urethra. Following the procedure, patients return home after a few hours, typically without catheter, and follow-up is normally by telephone. Patients have significantly fewer side effects (notably 0% risk of permanent sexual dysfunction) and post-operative complications, such as infection and bleeding, compared with existing alternatives. The procedure is also increasingly carried out under a local anesthetic.

For more information, please visit: https://wessexahsn.org.uk/projects/151/prostatic-urethral-lift-systems-to-treat-lower-urinary-tract-symptoms-of-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-as-a-day-case