Bothersome urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate can significantly affect quality of life. UroLift® offers lasting relief without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue — and without the sexual side effects associated with many traditional procedures.
At Gangnam St. Mary's Urology Clinic, Dr. Sung Jae-woo provides individualized BPH care for domestic and international patients based on current clinical evidence and thorough anatomical evaluation.
1. What Is UroLift®?
UroLift® (Prostatic Urethral Lift) is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive procedure for men with symptomatic BPH. Small permanent implants mechanically lift and hold the enlarged prostate lobes away from the urethra — restoring urinary flow without altering or removing prostate tissue.
Procedure time: approximately 30–60 minutes
Anesthesia: local anesthesia or light sedation Setting: outpatient; same-day discharge in most cases Sexual function: ejaculatory function preserved in the majority of patients (5-year L.I.F.T. trial data)
2. Is UroLift® Right for You?
UroLift® is generally appropriate for men with moderate-to-severe LUTS who prefer a minimally invasive approach and wish to preserve ejaculatory function.
UroLift® may not be suitable if:
Significant middle lobe enlargement is present → Rezūm is typically preferred in this case Prostate volume exceeds the indicated range for implant-based treatment
Active urinary tract infection or prostatitis is present A thorough evaluation — including prostate anatomy assessment, uroflowmetry, and symptom history review — is required to confirm candidacy.
3. UroLift® vs. Rezūm vs. TURP
| UroLift® | Rezūm | TURP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mechanical retraction | Thermal ablation (steam) | Surgical resection |
| Middle lobe | Not indicated | Indicated | Indicated |
| Time to relief | Days to weeks | ~6 weeks | Weeks |
| Ejaculatory function | Generally preserved | Lower risk vs. TURP | Higher risk of retrograd ejaculation |
| Anesthesia | Local / light sedation | Local / light sedation | General or spinal |
| Hospital stay | Outpatient | Outpatient | 1–2 days (typical) |
Clinical note: The single most important anatomical factor in choosing between UroLift® and Rezūm is the presence or absence of middle lobe enlargement. Dr. Sung will assess your prostate anatomy prior to recommending a treatment path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How quickly will I notice improvement?
A1. Many patients notice meaningful symptom relief within days to a few weeks — generally faster than thermal procedures such as Rezūm.
Q2. Will UroLift® affect my sexual function?
A2. Ejaculatory function is preserved in the majority of patients based on 5-year clinical trial data — a key differentiator from TURP, which carries a higher risk of retrograde ejaculation.
Q3. Are the implants permanent?
A3. Yes. The implants remain in place and are not removed. Importantly, UroLift® does not preclude future treatments if symptoms recur over time.
Q4. What is the post-procedure protocol?
A4. A temporary catheter may be placed and is typically removed within a few days. International patients are advised to remain in Seoul for 7–10 days post-procedure for follow-up before travel.
Is Rezūm a better option for my case? It depends on your prostate anatomy. If significant middle lobe enlargement is present, Rezūm is generally the preferred approach. We will advise based on your evaluation results.
Consultation for International Patients
If you are considering UroLift® and wish to determine whether it is appropriate for your condition, we recommend a pre-visit consultation before traveling to Seoul.
Please share the following when reaching out:
Current urinary symptoms and duration Recent test results (PSA, uroflowmetry, ultrasound if available) Relevant medical history and current medications
Our team will review your case and advise on treatment suitability prior to your arrival.
Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. UroLift® is a registered trademark of Teleflex. A comprehensive in-person evaluation is required to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.