Good Samaritan Physician Network urologists William Vaughn, MD and Bart DeBrock, MD, are now treating patients with the UroLift System, the first permanent implant to treat symptoms due to urinary outflow obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men 50 years of age or older. Cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2013, the UroLift System is designed to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, while preserving sexual function.

Mike Roach, a 65-year-old Odon, Ind. resident, was one of the first patients to be treated with the UroLift System. Roach says he had been struggling with BPH for two years. “It didn’t really stop me from doing anything, but it was definitely a nuisance,” added Roach.

BPH is a normal part of the aging process for men. It occurs with changes in hormone balance and cell-growth factors as most men naturally grow an enlarged prostate. Genetics may play a small role in severe cases, but typically BPH is associated with age and hormonal changes.

Symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on the individual. Roach said sometimes “my body tells me it’s time and I may not even have to go.” The anxiety of planning for restroom breaks and constant worry led Roach to have mild panic attacks.

Prior to the UroLift System, Roach had tried medication as well as at-home treatments. “It wasn’t working,” he said. After trying several medications Roach said that Dr. Vaughn suggested the UroLift System as he thought “it would take care of most of my problems.”

The UroLift System permanent implants, delivered during a minimally-invasive procedure, act like window curtain tie-backs to hold the lobes of an enlarged prostate open. Patients recover from the procedure quickly, and return to their normal routines with minimal down time. With eliminating lasting sexual side effects and providing lasting relief, UroLift is changing the lives of men everywhere.

“Our hospital system is committed to providing patients with the highest quality, most effective options to address their urology needs,” said Dr. Vaughn. “The UroLift System has an excellent safety profile and provides men suffering from an enlarged prostate a beneficial first-line treatment alternative to drug therapy or more invasive surgery. Importantly, the UroLift System provides fast and meaningful relief from BPH symptoms, improving overall quality of life for our patients.”

Roach said he couldn’t be more pleased with his experience during his treatment. “Everyone treated me very well, the anesthesiologist and surgical team explained everything very clearly and were very reassuring and helpful,” Roach said regarding his procedure. The UroLift System “overall just made me feel better” he added.

For more information on the UroLift System or to schedule an appointment to see if you qualify for UroLift call Good Samaritan Urology at 812-882-4320.