SUFU 2018: 5 Year Results of The Prostatic Urethral LIFT Pivotal Study

Austin, TX (UroToday.com) Dr. Michael Trotter and colleagues presented the 5 year results from the LIFT pivotal trial.  This is a prospective, randomized study looking at the treatment of BPH using the Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL).  This technique uses small transurethral implants to retract obstructing lateral lobes of the prostate.  206 patients at 19 centers were randomized to PUL (n=140) or sham control (n=66).  Inclusion criteria included age >= 50 years, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) >= 13, peak flow rate <= 12 mL/s and prostate volume 30-80 cc. 

The patients were assessed post-procedure using several validated questionnaires, which included IPSS, quality of life (QOL), BPH Impact Index (BPHII), peak flow rate (Qmax) and sexual function questionnaires.

The study found the PUL patients had symptom improvement at one month (IPSS 44% and QOL 42%, p<0.001) that and continued through 5 years of follow up (IPSS 38% and QOL 54%, p<0.001).  Peak urinary flow rate was improved 41% at 5 years, while sexual function was maintained.  13.6% of men required retreatment at 5 years.

The authors conclude that the PUL technique for the treatment of BPH is a durable, minimally invasive treatment performed under local anesthesia, which rapid improvement of symptoms, with preservation of sexual function.


Presenter by: Michael Trotter, MD

Authors: Michael Trotter MD¹, Claus Roehrborn MD² and Daniel Rukstalis MD³
Author Information:
1. Midtown Urology Associates;
2. UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
3. Wake Forest Baptist Health Urology, Winston-Salem, NC

Written by: Cristina Palmer, DO. Female Urology, Pelvic Reconstruction, Voiding Dysfunction Fellow, Department of Urology, UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California at the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction Winter Meeting (SUFU 2018), February 27-March 3, 2018, Austin, Texas