15 Feb 2024
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04 Mar 2024
Bolton one-stop clinic continues to change lives for men with LUTS
A one-stop clinic at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is continuing to improve patient outcomes for men who suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by utilising the UroLift System.
Neil Harvey, a Consultant Urologist at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has led the way in recognising those male patients with LUTS experience challenges during their treatment, including extended hospital visits prior to any surgical intervention.
The lower urinary tract includes the bladder and the tube that urine passes through as it leaves the body (urethra). LUTS are common as people get older and can include an urgent or frequent need to pass urine, problems passing urine, and problems after passing urine, such as feeling the need to go again.
By using the UroLift System the pathway for patients has been developed into an entirely outpatient experience, making for a more streamlined service from start to finish. The aim of this one-stop clinic is to improve the efficiency of the patient pathway, with the shortest possible referral of treatment and minimising the number of times a patient would need to visit the clinic.
Andy Williams: “I laughed out loud on the loo” – plasterer’s joy after BPH one-stop-setting procedure
One patient who has experienced this improved patient pathway and as such has seen his life improve dramatically following his visit to the one-stop clinic is Andrew (Andy) Williams, aged 53 from Bolton.
Andy was referred to Bolton Hospital and underwent the UroLift procedure in a one-stop setting in January 2023. Within days Andy saw results and improvements to his LUTS and explains how the one-stop clinic was instrumental in his treatment.
Andy said: “I was quickly referred to Bolton hospital. The amazing team put me at ease, helped me open up and talk about it. The wait for treatment wasn’t long, just three months. Of course, at the time, it felt like an eternity because the catheter became like a ‘ball and chain’ keeping me from my job and giving me a series of infections. I also found the tablets (I was taking in the meantime) gave me excruciating bladder spasms.
“By January 2023, I had in the UroLift procedure in a one-stop-setting. I was pleased that the procedure was under local anesthetic because it was easier, less fuss for me and saved time for everybody. Within days I was able to return to a sense of normality. I actually giggled with joy at this strong stream of pee – the power of it was amazing.
“Getting back to my team at work, going out with friends and not worrying about accidents and getting back into the dating scene – without fear of sexual performance problems – all followed. I’m so grateful to the team for getting me back to my life quickly. Now, I’m optimistic about the future and meeting someone new.”
Neil Harvey, Consultant Urologist at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our one-stop clinic in Bolton has improved the treatment pathway for men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Previously, patients would wait for six-months to get a plan to treat their symptoms, and then have a year-long wait for surgery after that.
My experience with the UroLift System is that it is minimally invasive and can be delivered using just numbing gel for anaesthetic. It has improved my patients’ quality of life while preserving their sexual function. Using the UroLift system in the outpatient setting means patients receive their treatment much earlier and get to go home the same day.”
The UroLift System is a Benign Prostate Hyperplasia technology, supported by the MedTech Funding Mandate (MTFM) for 2022/23, which is delivered in collaboration with the Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) and the Health Innovation Network.
UroLift relieves the symptoms of an enlarged prostate by using small, permanent implants to open the gland blocking the flow of urine. It’s minimally invasive, improves quality of life, and preserves sexual function *1.
When patients go home the same day, it’s estimated to save the NHS between £981 and £1,230 over five years for each person treated.
Safety Information
Indicated for the treatment of symptoms of an enlarged prostate up to 100cc in men 50 years or older. As with any medical procedure, individual results may vary. Most common side effects are temporary and include hematuria, dysuria, micturition urgency, pelvic pain, and urge incontinence (Roehrborn, J Urology 2013). Rare side effects, including bleeding and infection, may lead to a serious outcome and may require intervention. Consult the Instructions for Use (IFU) for more information.
References
* No instances of new, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction in the L.I.F.T. pivotal study ‡ Based on analysis of erectile and ejaculatory function for 331 PUL patients treated in a controlled setting:
- Roehrborn, Can J Urol 2017
Sponsored by Teleflex. MCI-2023-1341