News

Coast men to benefit from new procedure

Oct 31, 2014

A common and uncomfortable disease impacting Sunshine Coast men can now be treated in a novel procedure available at Ramsay Health Care hospitals.

The UroLift System is a new, minimally invasive treatment option for patients with moderate-severe lower urinary tract symptoms caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Men with BPH often experience symptoms of slow flow, incomplete emptying, hesitancy and urgency. It may manifest as increased frequency of passing urine particularly at night.

Dr Stuart Collins, Urologist at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and Noosa Hospital is the first surgeon on the Sunshine Coast to perform the procedure.

Dr Collins performed the procedure for the first time today at Noosa Hospital and said that he is pleased to be able to provide patients with this treatment option.

“Current treatment options for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH can leave many patients inadequately addressed,” Dr Collins said.

“Medical therapy provides modest symptom relief, however the side effects may prompt many patients to discontinue treatment. Interventional procedures aim to remove prostate tissue in order to relieve urethral obstruction. While effective, these procedures result in a difficult healing period and can cause long-term complications.”

“The UroLift System is a permanent implant that acts like window curtain tie-backs to hold the lobes of an enlarged prostate open. The urologist uses the UroLift System to push aside the obstructive prostate lobes and positions small, tailored permanent UroLift implants to hold the prostate lobes in the retracted position.”

The UroLift System provides fast and meaningful relief from BPH symptoms, improving overall quality of life for the patient. Patients can return to their normal routines with minimal downtime following the procedure. The procedure is generally just day surgery.

Dr Stuart Collins relocated to the Sunshine Coast in early 2014 with the opening of Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital (SCUPH). His rooms are located at SCUPH and he consults and operates regularly at Noosa Hospital. Dr Collins will be performing the procedure at both hospitals. His other interests are prostate, kidney, bladder cancer and stone disease.

Men who believe they have symptoms that may be BPH are advised to see their local GP.