Prostate & Urinary Procedures
Urolift (Prostatic Urethral Lift)
Urolift is a revolutionary "no-cut" treatment for an enlarged prostate. Using tiny permanent implants to pin back obstructing tissue, it restores a strong urinary flow while uniquely preserving sexual and ejaculatory function for most patients.
Key takeaways
- Urolift is a revolutionary "no-cut" treatment for an enlarged prostate. Using tiny permanent implants to pin back obstructing tissue, it restores a strong urinary flow while uniquely preserving sexual and ejaculatory function for most patients.
- Specialty: Prostate & Urinary Procedures
48
Many back to normal withinhrs
50
Improvement in urinary flow%
Day case
No overnight stay
Treatment Overview
About Urolift (Prostatic Urethral Lift)
Your surgeon uses tiny, permanent implants to lift the prostate lobes out of the way, widening the channel (the urethra) so you can pee more easily. Urolift is an good choice for men who want a fast recovery and are keen to avoid the sexual side effects often associated with other procedures to remove prostate tissue such as TURP or HoLEP.
Urolift works best in men whose urinary symptoms are due to only mild to moderate lateral (side) lobe enlargement of the prostate.
Urolift is NOT recommended in men with a total prostate volume greater then 80 grams.
Men who are in urinary retention requiring catheterisation, or who have had urinary tract infections or bleeding due to an enlarged prostate are better off considering other techniques such as HoLEP which is effective in all of the circumstances listed above.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
The standout benefit of Urolift is the preservation of sexual function.It is the only BPH procedure proven in clinical studies to have to have low impact on erections or ejaculation.
It can be done using light sedation and local anaesthetic .
Return to normal activities is possible in as little as 48 hours.
It is more effective at relieving urinary flow and symptoms than herbal remedies or prostate medication.
Urinary flow rate improves by 50% (up to twice that of medication),
Urinary symptoms improve by 50% (up to 2-3 times that seen with medication)
Because it is a 'day-case' procedure, you won't need to spend a night in the hospital, and most patients (about 90%) do not require a catheter when they go home. You can expect to see an improvement in your symptoms much faster than with traditional surgery—often within just two weeks of the procedure.
It is minimally invasive and does not require the removal of any part of the prostate. Urolift does not preclude subsequent surgical procedures such as HoLEP if urinary symptoms recur.
02
Risks
Urolift is considered one of the safest urological procedures available. The main risks include a temporary urinary tract infection (UTI) or a small amount of blood or "clotting" in the urine shortly after the procedure.
Statistically, about 1 in 8 men (13%) may find the treatment doesn't relieve all their symptoms and might require further treatment within five years. There is also a very rare risk (less than 1%) of "encrustation," where a small stone forms on the implant, requiring it to be removed. Unlike major surgery, there is almost zero risk of permanent urinary incontinence.
03
Side Effects
In the first week, it is common to feel some "urgency"—a sudden, uncontrollable need to rush to the toilet.You might also experience some stinging when you pee or see small amounts of blood in your urine (haematuria) for 5 to 7 days.
Some men feel a "heavy" or aching sensation in the pelvic area for a few days. These side effects are usually mild and tend to settle down very quickly as the tiny implants "bed in" to the tissue. Most patients find these symptoms disappear entirely within two weeks.
What We Treat
How Urolift (Prostatic Urethral Lift) Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Urolift (Prostatic Urethral Lift) journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
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Before Procedure
Before your procedure, you will have a "Flow Rate" test and an ultrasound to check the size and shape of your prostate. Because Urolift is often performed under a "light" general anaesthetic, sedation, or even a local numbing block, the preparation is straightforward.
You will be asked to provide a urine sample to ensure you don't have an active infection. If you take blood-thinners, your team will advise you on when to pause them. You'll typically need to fast (no food or water) for a few hours if you are having any form of sedation or anaesthetic.
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During Procedure
The procedure is fast, usually taking between 15 and 30 minutes. While you are comfortable and relaxed, the surgeon passes a thin tube into the urethra. A small delivery device then places the tiny Urolift implants—usually 2 to 6 in total—to pull the prostate tissue aside.
The surgeon uses a small camera to check that the channel is clearly "open" before finishing. You will be awake and able to chat in the recovery room shortly after, as the procedure involves no cutting or burning of tissue.
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After Procedure
You will be encouraged to have a drink and try to pee before you leave the hospital—most men are ready to go home within 2 to 3 hours. We recommend taking it easy for the first 48 hours, but most men return to work and light activity within 3 days.
You can drive as soon as you feel comfortable and are no longer taking any strong painkillers. We will see you back in the clinic in about 6 weeks to check your flow rate and discuss whether your symptoms have improved.
Specialists
Specialists for Urolift (Prostatic Urethral Lift)
Leading experts for this treatment. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
Trusted Resources
Trusted Patient Resources
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Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
No, you won't feel them at all. The implants are tiny—about the size of a small staple—and they are placed deep within the prostate tissue. They are made of medical-grade materials (nitinol and stainless steel) that are designed to stay in place permanently without causing any irritation. They are also 'MRI-safe,' so you can still have scans in the future if needed.
Reviewed 29 Mar 2026
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For prostates over 80cc, the evidence would suggest that it may be better for you to have a different procedure to remove prostate tissue. Your consultant will discuss the options with you.
Reviewed 29 Mar 2026
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The main disadvantage of urolift is that the benefits may not be durable:
11% of men required a further surgical procedure for urolift failure within the first 3 years.
9% of men recommenced BPH medication due to recurrent urinary symptoms within the first 3 years.
Reviewed 29 Mar 2026
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