“Game changing” treatment for enlarged prostate delivers “instant relief” for valley man

A valley doctor calls a new treatment a “game changer” for the 35 million American men dealing with an enlarged prostate. We spoke with a patient who claims he experienced “instant relief” from the procedure.

79-year-old Rancho Mirage resident James Lewis says he couldn’t be happier with the treatment he received just last week for an enlarged prostate, also known as “BHP”.

“This is real technological advancement in medicine, particularly for men my age,” said Lewis.

His symptoms began five years ago, and included difficult and painful nighttime urination and sexual dysfunction.

Not satisfied with results from taking medication, Lewis asked Eisenhower Medical Center Urologist Dr. Lance Patrick Walsh to perform a new procedure called “Urolift”.

“Its a game changer, and the reason it is, because there is such a vast number of men with this problem,” said Dr. Walsh.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2013, Urolift is described as a tiny, “minimally invasive” implant.

The implants, delivered to the prostate through a hollow needle, lift the enlarged prostate open, so it does not interfere with the urethra or bladder anatomy.

The outpatient procedure, which we are told preserves sexual function, takes about ten minutes to complete.

“Its the only treatment we have now for BPH that has no sexual side effects whatsoever, and its minimally invasive. So people are able to get back to their normal activities much quicker,” said Dr. Walsh.

Dr. Walsh says Urolift provides an excellent alternative to traditional surgeries, which require removal of prostate tissue, which could also negatively impact sexual performance.

Side effects from Urolift may include a burning sensation, or blood in the urine for a couple of days following treatment.

However, Mr. Lewis is among the many patients who give the treatment a wholehearted endorsement.

“If you can have this done, have it done. If you are a candidate to have it done, get busy. Have it done because it will change everything, it is amazing,” said Lewis.

Dr. Walsh says he has treated about 30 men with Urolift at his office in Rancho Mirage, and at Eisenhower Medical Center.

He says he has performed the procedure more than any other doctor in the country.

Walsh will soon be training other urologists how to use the implants.

Dr. Walsh says insurance will cover the Urolift procedure in most cases.