People who suffer benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — a condition resulting from an enlarged prostate — know the drill all too well: getting up three, four or even five times at night to go to the bathroom; scouting out the nearest restroom every time they’re in a public place, just to be safe; time lost throughout the day because they have to head to the bathroom frequently to urinate.

It’s something that many men have dealt with for years. It’s also more widespread than you may think affecting as many as 40 million men in the U.S., according to NeoTract U.S. Market Model estimates for 2018 based on IQVIA Health Drug and Procedure data. But a new procedure called the UroLift System could help many suffering from BPH get off medications and avoid major surgery.

Offered at Billings Clinic and performed by trained urologists, UroLift uses a revolutionary approach to treating BPH that lifts and holds the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra. It is the only BPH treatment offered that doesn’t require ongoing medication, heating, cutting or removal of prostate tissue.

Here are three reasons men should consider UroLift.

1. Quick and Safe

BPH causes the prostate gland to enlarge, which can block the flow of urine out of the bladder. This can lead to frequent urination, the inability to empty the bladder, a weak stream, taking too long to empty the bladder, trouble starting urination, dribbling and other symptoms. Originally treatments included medication management or a procedure in which a doctor trims away excess tissue that blocks urine flow.

UroLift is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses tiny implants to open the obstructed pathway, allowing most patients to return home immediately afterward and a quick return to their normal activities. Most patients experience rapid recovery and relief of BPH symptoms within days or weeks.

2. Effective

Several studies presented at the American Urological Association (AUA) 2019 Annual Meeting highlighted the effectiveness of UroLift. One study, presented by Mark Rochester, MD, of Norwich & Norfolk University Hospital, 52 patients to test the feasibility of the UroLift System treatment for patients with acute urinary retention. It showed that 79 percent of patients were catheter-free (a significant number of men with BPH also have urinary retention issues that require a catheter) within three months, and 96 percent reported being “much or very much better” at six months. 

Another, presented by Gregory McMahon, D.O., urological surgery resident of Rowan University of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ, examined 156 patients who received the UroLift System treatment from a single surgeon. Results showed significant improvement in BPH symptoms, quality of life and post-void residual volume for patients treated with the UroLift System.

Studies like these help to highlight the safety and effectiveness of the minimally invasive treatment in real-world patient populations and are consistent with results found in controlled clinical studies, along with the long-term benefits UroLift can provide for BPH in diverse patient populations.

3. Availability Close to Home

Getting relief from BPH doesn’t have to mean a long trip to another state. In fact, the Billings Clinic offers the procedure, where two of its urologists — doctors who specialize in the treatment of diseases of the urinary system — have completed comprehensive training using the UroLift System and offer it as an option to many of their patients.

This allows those patients who qualify to get the treatment and relief they need closer to home.

As with any medical procedure, individual results may vary. Speak with a urologist to see if the UroLift System treatment is right for you. Most common side effects are mild to moderate and include pain or burning with urination, blood in the urine, pelvic pain, an urgent need to urinate and/or the inability to control the urge. Most symptoms resolve within two to four weeks after the treatment.

For more information on the Urolift System at Billings Clinic or to schedule an appointment, visit www.billingsclinic.com/urolift or call 406-238-2382.