Shaare Zedek Hospital Introduces Novel Non-Invasive Prostate Treatment

Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem has performed the first procedure in Israel using the UroLift 2 system, a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that alleviates urinary obstruction without removing or destroying prostate tissue. This marks the first use of the system outside the United States. The UroLift 2 procedure is conducted through the urethra, requiring no external incisions and often performed under light sedation rather than general anesthesia. Many patients can be discharged on the same day without a catheter, depending on their individual condition and medical team's assessment.

The UroLift 2 system addresses lower urinary tract symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate by implanting tiny, permanent devices that retract obstructive tissue, creating a wider passage for urine flow. Unlike traditional surgical methods that involve cutting, vaporizing, or removing prostate tissue, this technique preserves the tissue. The UroLift 2 is an advanced version of the original UroLift system, designed to enhance physician control and procedural efficiency.

Benign prostatic enlargement is a common condition in older men, leading to symptoms such as weak urine stream, difficulty initiating urination, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary urgency, frequency, and nighttime awakenings. While not cancerous, untreated significant obstruction can lead to urinary retention, infections, and potential damage to the bladder or kidneys. A proper urological evaluation is crucial to determine the cause of these symptoms.

The treatment is generally performed on an outpatient basis, with most patients returning home the same day. Common side effects are usually temporary and may include burning or pain during urination, blood in the urine, urgency, and pelvic pain. Risks such as infection, urinary retention, and the need for future treatments also exist.

The UroLift 2 is suitable for men with significant BPH symptoms, particularly when medication is insufficient or causes side effects, or for those seeking rapid recovery and minimal risk of sexual dysfunction. However, suitability depends on factors like prostate size, structure, degree of blockage, symptom severity, and overall health. The manufacturer's US guideline suggests it for men aged 45 and older with prostates up to 100 cubic centimeters, but Israeli medical teams make the final determination based on local approvals and individual patient factors. For very large prostates or complex cases, alternative treatments like transurethral resection of the prostate, laser therapies, or Aquablation may be more appropriate.

Professor Boris Chertin, Director of Urology at Shaare Zedek, stated, "The choice of Shaare Zedek as the first center outside the US to introduce the UroLift 2 system is further evidence of Shaare Zedek's leadership in the field of urology in Israel. We are constantly working to bring our patients the most groundbreaking and advanced technologies in the world."