By Dr. Pankaj Kumar Gupta, MBBS , MS, MCH (Urology), Andrologist, Robotic Surgeon and Uro- Oncosurgeon, Consultant Urologist – CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate, is among the most prevalent conditions affecting men as they age. In India, approximately one in four men in their fifties experience urinary symptoms linked to prostate enlargement, and that figure climbs to between 50 and 70 percent in men above 60. Even though it is a common problem, many men tend to ignore their symptoms and live with them for years on end because of the difficulty they have falling asleep, having to pee all the time, and feeling constant pain.
Where Medication Ends and Surgery Begins
There was always a dichotomy between medication and surgery in the management of BPH. While medications were used at the onset of the condition, they needed to be taken regularly and could even cause some side effects like vertigo and impotence. Surgical intervention, typically through a procedure called TURP, is effective but involves hospitalisation, anaesthesia, and a recovery period that keeps patients away from normal activity for weeks. Between these two options, there has historically been very little middle ground, and that gap has left a significant number of men either over-medicated or undertreated.
What UroLift Offers
The UroLift system addresses this gap through a minimally invasive approach that does not involve cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. Small implants are placed to hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, restoring urinary flow without altering the anatomy. The procedure is typically performed as a day-care intervention under local or minimal anaesthesia, and most patients return to their normal routine within days rather than weeks.
Clinical Outcomes Worth Noting
Symptom relief is generally experienced within a few weeks of the procedure. Complication rates are lower than those associated with conventional surgery, and the procedure preserves sexual function, a concern that matters considerably to many men but is rarely raised in early consultations. For patients who are appropriate candidates, the combination of shorter recovery, fewer side effects, and maintained quality of life represents a meaningful clinical advantage.
Who It Is and Is Not Suitable For
UroLift is not appropriate for all presentations of BPH. Very large prostates may require a different approach, and some patients experience temporary side effects such as urinary urgency or a burning sensation in the days following the procedure. A small proportion of patients may require retreatment over time. Careful clinical assessment before proceeding is therefore essential, and patient selection remains the most important determinant of a good outcome.
Why Delaying Treatment Carries Its Own Risk
Untreated BPH progresses. Urinary retention, recurrent infections, bladder damage, and in advanced cases, kidney complications are all associated with prolonged delay in seeking care. The symptoms men tend to dismiss as manageable inconveniences are the same ones that, left unaddressed, create more complex clinical problems down the line.
Where Prostate Care Is Heading
Prostate care has moved beyond symptom suppression toward a more considered focus on quality of life and long-term outcomes. UroLift sits within that shift, offering a clinical option for men who are no longer well served by medication alone but who are not yet at the point where conventional surgery is the appropriate next step. For men experiencing urinary symptoms, early consultation and a clear understanding of available options remain the most reliable path to a better outcome.