Mercy Medical Center first location in Ohio to treat BPH with new implant system

Monday, January 04, 2016

Tags: Mercy Medical Center , health care

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Steven Ochs, M.D., a urologist with Urology One, recently performed Ohio’s first UroLift® System implant at Mercy Medical Center. Intended to treat symptoms of enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in men 50 years of age or older, the UroLift is a permanent implant to improve prostate function and urine flow rates.

Dr. Ochs said the UroLift System is an excellent alternative to other BPH treatments, such as drug therapy or more invasive surgery. “Studies have shown UroLift to be very safe and highly effective. It provides fast, long-term relief from BPH symptoms with low risk of side effects, improving overall quality of life for my patients.”

About 37 million men in the United States have an enlarged prostate, a medical condition affecting the prostate gland that surrounds the male urethra. As men age, the prostate can become enlarged and gradually obstruct the urinary system.

“Medication often provides inadequate, temporary relief with side effects that can include sexual dysfunction, dizziness and headaches,” said Dr. Ochs. “Surgery—such as the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)—can be highly effective but also may leave patients with permanent side effects, such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and more. That’s why I have chosen to bring the UroLift System to Ohio. I believe it’s the best treatment option for BPH patients who qualify.”

“At Mercy, our long-standing mission of providing quality, compassionate care is why we strive to bring the latest technology with the best outcomes to the communities we’ve served since 1908,” said Tom Cecconi, Mercy president and CEO. “UroLift and its benefits over current BPH treatments epitomizes the kind of options we want to make accessible to our patients.”

Developed by NeoTract, a medical device company, and cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2013, the UroLift System’s permanent implants, which are 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 downtime. Data from clinical trials showed patients receiving UroLift implants reported rapid symptomatic improvement, improved urinary flow rates and sustained sexual function. Patients also experienced a significant improvement in quality of life.

Mercy Medical Center is a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System.