@bethbrowne4905

My husband had the urolift procedure done in 2017.  Now encrustation occurred when minerals from the urine deposit on the surface of the indwelling urolift implant. On 3/30/22, he had a cystolitholapaxy procedure to remove the "stone" encrusted on one of the implants. At the follow up visit, the urologist told us that only 50% of the "stone" was removed and my husband have to undergo another cystolitholapaxy procedure to remove the remaining "stone". My husband has low pain threshold, it was exhausting to take care of him postoperatively. He took Norco before bedtime, due to the constant irritation after the procedure. Then the narcotic induced sleep apnea happened, his pulse ox dropped to 88% at one point. It was a sleepless night for me.
In my opinion , I do not recommend urolift procedure, it is a good quick fix but does it worth to go through the potential pain and sufferings in the future?

@robertmeyer1885

Well, I just finished by second Urolift a few days ago.  It was in office under valium and local anesthetic. Because it was a redo, a company rep from Urolift was present to observe.  IT HURT LIKE HECK! That was on Tuesday.  Today's Saturday and I still have significant blood in my urine and it still hurts a bit when I pee.  The flow is a bit better, but not what I thought it should be by now. I assure you, this was my last Urolift.  I read somewhere that the FDA shows Urolift has a 14% failure rate within 5 years.  When I mentioned this to the company rep, she became defensive and corrected me indicating it was actually 13.5%. If this one fails at any point, they'll be hearing from my lawyer.

@eleveneleven6638

Yes I had the procedure 3 years ago and It was one of the WORST decision I have ever made. I regret it. I am now suffering the consequences because the #Urolift procedure has made my condition worse than it was before.

@carsonn863

Had procedure done in January. I’ve had no problem since procedure. 3 days of a little discomfort. Complete 48 days of radiation clips where also used as treatment markers. Pee Like a firehouse

@slava1959

Urolift lasted for me for only two years. I was hoping it would be five or even ten. Urolift also refused to talk to me to discuss my problem. Does anybody have ideas as to how to extend the lifespan of my urolift implant?

@danielandino3193

I just had the procedure done almost a month ago . Still need a catheter . Every time they take it out . Having hard time urinating . Just recently found out that I have an infection . I’m having second thoughts on having this done . I was able to urinate before urolift . Now it’s a struggle to urinate . Urgency , pain and discomfort . Now I am seeing new urologist for second opinion . I believe I’m in good hands now . To who ever considering this . Do your research and read reviews . Not saying it’s not going to work but be mindful . It’s going on almost a month and I’m very concerned . Dr that did my surgery basically told me that everything is clear and there’s no blockage. My question is . Why can’t I urinate ? I should be able to pee like a race horse . I’m on antibiotics now so maybe that might help . New doctor is going to take care of me . Should have just had turp . I’m 46 and been having urgency problems for over 10 years now . Has anyone else had this procedure. Who could relate ?

@Steve-O-Florida

I am in the evaluation process with full urine retention and catheter for 7 weeks and two failed trials. US showed a 80cm prostate which is 30cm larger than the rectal exam suggested - during which the urologist recommended the urolift.

I had already decided against Urolift due to the overwhelming negative reviews about it and the multiple of positive reviews of Aquablation which I am favoring at the moment.

Your warning is very much appreciated, thank you

@erics3908

I had this procedure done Dec 2023 after i had seen the urolologjst for being in urinary retention. Although i had requested aquablation, the urologist talked me into urolift.  Worst decision.  The procedure was painful and should always be done with general anesthesia. But most importantly it just didnt work.  After the catheter was removed, i still couldnt void - so the dr showed me how to self cath.  I then got a second and third opinion to include cysto and both dr advised i was completely obstructed.  I recently had aquablation and nearly 90% back to normal.  

Not sure why some dr are pushing this procedure, but i would not recommend it.  

Best of luck!!

@John-hq6em

Who should avoid Urolift?  EVERYONE!  I had it, what a disaster!  I underwent many tests ahead of time to ensure I met all the criteria.  I was told by my urologist I was a perfect candidate; that it would definitely provide significant improvement.  The only results I’ve had are significant pain and some kind of damage to my urethra.  When I am able to pee, it sprays everywhere except into the toilet.  I wish I never had heard of Urolift!

@elrobo3568

My urologist at the VA told me yesterday that he has had to remove many Urolifts and that there is about a 50% failure rate. He says the CT showed a normal sized prostate, but I have a curve in the urethra he has to ream out. I am scheduled to have surgery in March 23 and I am going to get a second opinion.

@memphisslimbo9837

Very helpful presentation. Also, I appreciate the comments from all the patients below with many indicating unsatisfactory or short-lived results. I'm going to look into the recent literature on complications and patient satisfaction.

@johnfoley2887

Very well done: great pacing and strong graphics for the lay audience that will help them understand limitations.

@majcpw

I had the procedure 18 months ago. Before the procedure, I had bouts with acute prostatitis, occasional Foley catheters, intermittent catheters, acute renal failure due to an obstructed urethra, and medication. Since having the procedure, in conjunction with a bladder neck incision, I haven’t had any serious issues. I still have some days where my flow isn’t as strong as it was as some nights where I get up more often than usual, but I’ll take the good with the bad to stay off of meds and to avoid any sexual side effects.

@Jumphouse2

My doctor only did a cystoscope and not an US or MRI. I would highly recommend anybody thinking about doing this procedure be adamant with their doctor about getting an ultrasound or MRI first to get a better picture of the size of your prostate.

@123890ff

Again this Doc knows what he is talking about and thanks G-d for his videos, changed my life.

@mikezeee4871

Excellent synopsis doc, especially of the limitations of the procedure. These are very important points that you made and not applicable to everyone. I for one, and considering the procedure and I was wondering why I would not be able to have it done. Thanks again doc and great job!

@TheJimbo2001

This was a good video , but I have a gripe with the commercialization of this procedure. While searching for reviews the youtube world only seems to contain testimonials and patient reviews from clinics were the patients state no catheters needed , very little pain and after a couple days later they were back at work peeing like a racehorse. I have gotten the procedure 2 weeks ago and am hopeful it will work , and people reviews to these videos seem so state that is very successful in the end but that actually the pain free experience seems very rare.  As for my experience so far the actual operation went well under General Anesthesia . The doctor put a catheter in just in case (he stated he always does this as a precaution) and told me to keep it in for one day. It was a terrible day , my Bladder kept having spasms. After 1 day I removed the Catheter to about 15 seconds of blood. At first I had to urinate about every 10 minutes with very little coming out and was still having painful Bladder spasms ( it was very painful even taking AZO). After about five days the urine stream started improving and I would only have to go about every hour (day and night) and while it still burned it was now much more tolerable. One very bad problem I had was that I got severe constipation even though I took Miralax and a stool softener. This was made much worse by the fact that every time I tried to push a little to poop my bladder would severely spasm. Even though the constipation is finally easing up (day 8) I am still having some urination problems where after I finish peeing I will have several bladder spasms about 30 seconds later where a little more urine will come out. I still get up about 3-4 times a night. My doctor says this is to be expected and give it a couple of WEEKS to subside.  As I said if this works I am okay with it but I still think these testimonials should also include some realistic people that have had side effects. I am keeping my fingers and other things crossed.

@rossifumifan1

Thank you for the clear and honest explaination of a procedure that is not for everyone.

@normannelson9508

Thank you for the detailed information and visual complements to the presentation.
I had the UroLift done without suffering an enlarged prostate. The results weren’t satisfying and ten day recovery was incredibly painful and difficult to pee and clear colon.
Doctor  Urologist was a bully and not kind to me after treatment. Sent me to my Spinal Surgeon to answer OAB issues continuing after procedure. Basically dismissed me like I was a child, two nurse attendant in exam room too!
Thanks for the important details well presented and imaged.
I suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy, per Spinal Surgeon review of Lower Extremity Study.

@MrScpo82

Urolift only lasted one year.  I suspect my prostate was too large and one of the clips did not fully extend.  Also, I believe I had a medium lobe that extended into the bladder.  I initially wanted the urolift to avoid the more complicated Laser Turp Surgery.  For me it was a bad choice.  Medically, the urolift was easier (done in the doctors office) with a fairly quick recovery.  Initial results were good but nowhere near the relief after I had the Green Lite Turp Surgery.  The surgery was extensive and recovery was long and difficult but ultimately it made a HUGH difference in urinary flow.