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Post-operative

After your UroLift

Recovery instructions following the UroLift procedure.

UroLift™ Procedure

Diet

  • After anaesthesia, begin with clear liquids. Depending on how you feel, you may resume your normal diet.
  • Drink plenty of water (aim for 1.5–2L/day unless otherwise advised). Good hydration helps reduce irritation and flush any blood or debris from the urinary tract.
  • Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods for the first few days, as these can worsen urinary urgency and burning.

Urinary / Bladder Symptoms

It is common to experience mild urinary symptoms for 1–2 weeks after the procedure.

You may notice:

  • Blood in the urine (usually light and short-lived, often <2 weeks)
  • Burning or stinging with urination
  • Increased urinary frequency and urgency
  • A feeling of incomplete emptying

These symptoms are expected and usually settle progressively.

Some patients may experience temporary worsening of urinary symptoms before improvement begins (often within 2–4 weeks).

A catheter is not usually required, but if one was placed, it is typically removed within 24 hours.

Activity

  • You may return to light activity within 24–48 hours.
  • Avoid heavy lifting (>10–15 kg), strenuous exercise, or cycling for 1 week
  • Avoid activities that put pressure on the perineum (e.g. bike riding) for 1–2 weeks
  • Walking is encouraged
  • You may shower as normal
  • Most patients can return to work within a few days, depending on their occupation.
  • Most patients can return to work within a few days, depending on their occupation.

Sexual Activity

  • Avoid ejaculation for 1 week after the procedure
  • Mild discomfort or blood in semen may occur initially and is usually self-limiting
  • UroLift typically preserves erectile and ejaculatory function

Medications

  • Take all prescribed medications as directed including any antibiotics and/or alpha-blockers
  • Continue your usual medications unless advised otherwise

For discomfort:

  • Paracetamol (e.g. 1 g every 6 hours, max 4 g/day)
  • Anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen) if suitable

To reduce irritation:

  • You may be prescribed medications for bladder symptoms (e.g. anticholinergics)

To avoid straining:

  • Maintain good hydration and fibre intake
  • Consider a stool softener if needed

Postoperative appointment

  • You will need a follow-up appointment in 4–8 weeks to assess symptom improvement.
  • If not already arranged, please contact the office to schedule this.

Call the office or present to the Emergency Department if:

  • Fever (>38°C), chills, or feeling unwell
  • Inability to pass urine (urinary retention)
  • Severe or worsening pain not controlled with medication
  • Heavy bleeding or large clots (greater than a 50-cent coin)
  • You develop signs of infection (e.g. burning worsening rather than improving, foul-smelling urine)

Questions about your recovery?

If you have any concerns after your procedure, call us on (08) 8119 0961.