A new procedure to treat men who are suffering from blocked urinary flow from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is being offered by Bethlehem urologist Joseph B. Lennert, MD, FACS, at St. Luke’s University Hospital - Bethlehem.

In November, Dr. Lennert treated his first patient with the UroLift System, the first permanent implant to treat symptoms of BPH in men 50 years of age or older. The UroLift System is designed to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, while preserving sexual function, according to Lennert.

“I am committed, along with St. Luke’s University Health Network, to providing patients with the highest quality, most effective options to address their urology needs,” said Lennert.

“The UroLift System is a minimally-invasive procedure with very few side effects that offers an excellent alternative to drug therapy or more invasive surgery. The procedure provides men suffering from an enlarged prostate with fast and meaningful relief from symptoms while maintaining sexual function. The result is an improved overall quality of life for our patients.”

Dr. Lennert is said to be the only urologist in northeast Pennsylvania to offer this out-patient procedure and offers this procedure solely at St. Luke’s University Hospital - Bethlehem, according to St. Luke’s officials.

The UroLift System permanent implants are placed during a minimally-invasive procedure and hold open the lobes of the enlarged prostate, allowing urinary flow to be restored. Patients recover from the procedure quickly, and return to their normal routines with minimal downtime and without the need of a catheter.

More than 500 million aging men worldwide have an enlarged prostate. Medication is often the first line therapy, but relief can be inadequate and temporary. Side effects of treatment can include sexual dysfunction, dizziness and headaches, prompting many patients to quit using the drugs.

For these patients, the classic alternative is surgery that cuts prostate tissue to open the urinary blockage. While surgical options can be very effective in relieving symptoms, they can also leave patients with permanent side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Lennert is Section Chief Emeritus, Department of Urology, St. Luke’s University Health Network, and is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons. As a board-certified urologist, he practices all areas of urology, specializing in robotic laparoscopic surgery and urologic cancers.

He is a graduate of the Temple University School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency in urology at Geisinger Hospital, Danville, Montour County.