(480) 924-7333

Frank Simoncini’s Linkedin

Southeast Valley Urology Southeast Valley Urology

 

Patient Portal

Author: Dr. Frank L. Simoncini

Understanding UroLift: Your Guide to Enlarged Prostate Treatment

Posted on by Dr. Frank L. Simoncini

Living with an enlarged prostate—also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—can significantly affect a man’s quality of life, causing symptoms like frequent urination, weak urine flow, or incomplete bladder emptying.

Fortunately, advances in treatment have made it easier to manage BPH without invasive surgery. One promising option is UroLift, a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve symptoms quickly and effectively. Below, we look at UroLift’s uses, benefits, risks, and how it compares to other treatments.

What Is UroLift?

UroLift is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure used to treat BPH by lifting and holding the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, restoring normal urine flow. Unlike other treatments, UroLift doesn’t involve cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. Instead, it uses small, permanent implants to relieve the blockage caused by the prostate’s enlargement, improving urinary function with minimal downtime.

Who Is UroLift for?

The UroLift System is recommended for men with moderate to severe BPH, especially those who:

  • Experience bothersome urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination, weak stream, or trouble starting/stopping urination
  • Are looking for a non-surgical treatment that preserves sexual function
  • Prefer a quick recovery with minimal disruption to their routine
  • Cannot or prefer not to take daily medications for BPH management

UroLift may not be suitable for individuals with very large prostates or those with other underlying urological conditions. Consulting with a urologist like board-certified urologists is essential to determine if this treatment is right for you.

UroLift Procedure Overview

The UroLift procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and takes around one hour. Here’s what to expect:

  • Preparation: The procedure is typically done under local or light sedation, meaning most patients stay awake but feel minimal discomfort.
  • Implant Placement: A small instrument is inserted through the urethra to access the prostate. The device places tiny implants to pull back the obstructive prostate tissue, creating a clear path for urine to flow.
  • Immediate Results: Once the implants are in place, patients often notice an immediate improvement in urinary symptoms.

Since no tissue is removed, no catheter is required in most cases, and patients can go home the same day.

What Are the Benefits of UroLift?

The UroLift System offers several advantages over traditional BPH treatments:

  • Minimally invasive: No cutting or heating of tissue
  • Quick recovery: Many patients resume normal activities within a few days
  • Preserves sexual function: UroLift has a low risk of sexual side effects, unlike some other BPH treatments
  • Immediate symptom relief: Many patients experience a noticeable improvement within a few days
  • Long-lasting results: Clinical studies show durable symptom relief for up to 5 years after the procedure

Possible Side Effects and Risks

Like any medical procedure, UroLift carries some risks, but they are generally mild and temporary. Some potential side effects include:

  • Urinary discomfort or burning during urination (usually resolves in a few days)
  • Blood in urine for a short period
  • Urgency or frequency of urination immediately after the procedure
  • In rare cases, implant dislodgement or infection

These side effects usually improve on their own within a week or two. If symptoms persist, follow-up with your healthcare provider is recommended.

Post-Procedure Care

After UroLift, most patients experience minimal downtime. Here’s what to expect during recovery:

  • Resume normal activities: Most patients return to regular routines within 2–3 days.
  • Hydrate well: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out the urinary system.
  • Temporary symptoms: Some urinary discomfort or frequency may occur but should improve within a few days.
  • Follow-up visit: A follow-up appointment with your urologist ensures everything is healing properly and functioning as expected.

Following these post-procedure guidelines can help ensure a smooth recovery.

Clinical Evidence Supporting UroLift

The UroLift System is backed by clinical trials and long-term studies showing significant improvements in urinary symptoms, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Research demonstrates that UroLift offers effective relief without compromising sexual function, which is a common concern with other treatments. Many patients report lasting results for up to five years after the procedure.

Comparing UroLift to Other BPH Treatments

When it comes to managing BPH, patients have several treatment options. Here’s how UroLift compares:

  • Medications (Alpha Blockers or 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors): These drugs can relieve symptoms but may cause side effects like dizziness or decreased libido. Medications also require lifelong use.
  • TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): A surgical procedure that involves removing part of the prostate. While effective, it requires general anesthesia and comes with a longer recovery time and higher risk of sexual dysfunction.
  • Laser Therapy: Uses heat to remove excess tissue, offering faster recovery than surgery but still carries some risk of urinary or sexual side effects.

Compared to other treatments, UroLift offers a faster, non-surgical option with fewer risks, particularly for preserving sexual function, and it allows patients to avoid long-term medication use.

For many patients, it strikes the right balance between effectiveness, convenience, and quality of life. However, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Simoncini and Dr. Shaba to determine the best treatment based on your individual needs.

Final Thoughts: Is UroLift Right for You?

UroLift is a game-changer for men with BPH who want fast relief without major surgery or long recovery times. With minimal downtime, preservation of sexual function, and lasting symptom relief, it offers an attractive alternative to traditional treatments.

If you or someone you know is struggling with BPH symptoms, talk to urologists at Southeast Valley Urology about whether UroLift is the right solution. Managing an enlarged prostate doesn’t have to disrupt your life—and with the right treatment, you can get back to living comfortably and confidently.

Call (480) 924-7333 to schedule a consultation in our urology clinic in Gilbert, AZ to see if UroLift is the right choice for you!

What Should You Expect During and After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery?

Posted on by Dr. Frank L. Simoncini

Choosing to have pelvic organ prolapse surgery is a serious decision and should be made in consultation with a certified urogynecologist like Dr. Frank Simoncini at our urology clinic near Phoenix. After trying non-surgical treatments, surgery may be the only option you have left in order to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. Ask lots of questions during your consultation.

Why Do I Need Surgery?

The pelvic organs include the uterus, bladder, rectum, urethra, and vagina. These organs are held in place by the pelvic floor muscles. Layers of connective tissue also give support. Pelvic organ prolapse, or POP, occurs when the muscles and tissue can no longer support the pelvic organs and they drop down and sometimes protrude from the vagina.

The goal of pelvic organ prolapse surgery is to add support to the walls of the vagina to eliminate any bulging tissue. The surgeon will lift the pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, bowel, ovaries, rectum and stitch the tissue around the organs to provide support.

What Caused My Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Vaginal childbirth and pregnancy are the main causes of POP.

In addition to this condition being common after menopause, there are other causes including:

  • Being overweight
  • Aging
  • Heavy lifting
  • Chronic coughing from smoking or asthma
  • Constipation

Although less frequent, men can also develop pelvic organ prolapse.

What Are My Surgical Options?

Consult with our urologists about which type of surgery is best for you.

You can choose between minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and conventional open surgery.

With a minimally invasive technique four small incisions are made in the mid-abdomen to allow for tiny instruments. A telescopic lens on a camera can be inserted for the best visualization. Surgery can last from 3 to 5 hours depending on the health of the patient.

Having this type of surgery does not necessarily require a lengthy recovery or long hospital stay and sometimes can be same day surgery. Many women return to normal activities when they feel they can. It usually takes one to two weeks for recovery.

Conventional open surgery requires an incision in the lower abdomen. It takes 4 to 6 weeks for recovery for most women having this type of surgery.

What Should I Do After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery?

  • Listen to your body after surgery, and rest when you feel the need.
  • You will need to wear sanitary pads as long as necessary for discharge or bleeding.
  • Continue to take OTC meds as needed.
  • Wait at least 1 week before bathing, but showering is OK.
  • Wear loose clothing to avoid any pressure on your abdomen.
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.
  • Take short walks each day. Ask the specialists at Southeast Valley Urology when you can safely increase mild exercise and perform pelvic floor exercises.
  • Avoid smoking, gaining weight, strenuous tasks, and sexual intercourse for at least 4 to 6 weeks or until you are completely healed.
  • Every woman is different so do not try to rush through your recovery time.

Contact Dr. Frank Simoncini at our urology clinic in Gilbert, AZ for additional questions or concerns about pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

Treating BPH In Older Men: What You Should Know

Posted on by Dr. Frank L. Simoncini

By the time men turn 60 years old, 50% of them have developed the condition benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. It is not cancerous, but it does have significant symptoms and side effects. Treating BPH in older men: what you should know.

Some Facts About BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia means an enlarged prostate gland. This tiny walnut size gland sits near the urethra and doubles its size during puberty. It has a second growth spurt around age 25 and continues to slowly grow.

If it grows too large, it squeezes the urethra, plus the bladder wall thickens and can become weaker leading to urine remaining in the bladder.

Primary Symptoms Of BPH

If the bladder does not empty as it should, there are a number of symptoms which develop as a result.

They include the following:

  • Incomplete emptying
  • Feeling that your bladder is full even after urinating
  • Frequency of urination, typically every one to two hours
  • Intermittent urination, urine starting and stopping
  • Urgency
  • Weak stream
  • Straining to pass urine
  • Developing Nocturia, waking up more than twice to urinate
  • These symptoms can lead to kidney infections, bladder stones, and a reduction in kidney function. Without proper treatment for BPH, a man can experience medical emergencies including kidney damage, frequent UTI, and the inability to urinate.

What You Should Know About Treatments for BPH

There are a wide variety of treatment options for an enlarged prostate. They depend upon the size of the prostate, your age, the symptoms, and your overall health. If your symptoms are mild, you and Dr. Simoncini or Dr. Shaba may decide to wait and monitor them.

Other treatment options include medications, minimally invasive procedures, or more invasive surgery which cause other unwanted side effects.

One of the newer promising therapy treatments is known as the UroLift System. Once you are screened to be a candidate, this Medicare covered treatment uses tiny implants to lift and hold the prostate away from the urethra so urine can flow again. This is performed in a 10 minute outpatient procedure without cutting or removing any part of the prostate.

Additional benefits of UroLift include preserving sexual function and having fewer side effects like incontinence.

One other new treatment is still under development known as Aquablation. This is a robot-assisted technique which uses ultrasound and water jets to remove parts of the prostate.

You no longer have to live with the limiting side effects of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Schedule a BPH Consultation in Gilbert, AZ

If you’re dealing with BPH, reach out to Southeast Valley Urology. Our team of board-certified surgeons, including Dr. Simoncini and Dr. Shaba, is ready to address all your inquiries and concerns. Book your appointment now by calling (480) 924-7333.

HIFU as an Effective Treatment Option for Prostate Cancer

Posted on by Dr. Frank L. Simoncini

HIFU, or high-intensity focused ultrasound, is exactly as its name implies. It is an FDA-approved innovative treatment for prostate cancer that uses soundwaves to precisely focus cancer cells and destroy them while leaving the surrounding tissue intact.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s time to explore the benefits of HIFU. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Simoncini and Dr. Shaba, experts in the field of HIFU treatments. They can answer all your questions, provide personalized advice, and guide you towards the best course of action.

Call (480) 924-7333 to book your appointment at our urology clinic in Gilbert, AZ and learn how HIFU can help you or your loved one overcome prostate cancer.

Benefits of HIFU for Prostate Cancer

The greatest benefits of HIFU for prostate cancer are dramatically reduced incidences of both urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to other types of surgery or radiation. Many men avoid treatment for prostate cancer due to these particularly unpleasant side effects associated with other treatments.

Additional benefits of HIFU include the following:

  • Performed as an outpatient procedure
  • Much less invasive than surgery or radiation therapy
  • No incisions
  • HIFU treatment takes hours compared to radiation which takes weeks
  • Shorter recovery time compared to surgery
  • Ability to return to normal activities within days
  • Little to no pain during the procedure

Patient talking to their doctor about prostate cancer.

How HIFU Works

This minimally invasive procedure uses sound waves that are transmitted through the wall of the rectum to the cancerous tumor in the prostate. These heated waves are able to kill cancer cells within seconds. Southeast Valley Urology also uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging during the procedure to determine exactly where the tumor is located.

Short bursts of energy can kill cancer cells about the size of a grain of rice in only 3 seconds. The entire procedure takes approximately 2-4 hours, and patients are typically able to return home the very same day.

Who Are the Best Candidates for HIFU?

In order to be a good candidate for this procedure, patients must be in the early stages of prostate cancer, meaning the cancer must be localized to the prostate and has not spread outside to other tissues or organs.

Those who have experienced a recurrence of prostate cancer after radiation therapy can be good candidates. Men who face serious risks posed by other common treatments for prostate cancer can be considered for HIFU treatments.

Any person looking to avoid the side effects and complications of surgery or radiation should devote some of their time to thoroughly evaluating HIFU as a safe and effective option to treating their prostate cancer.

Age, overall health, and the size of the prostate are among the other criteria that will be influential in determining a man’s candidacy for HIFU. If you are considering a HIFU procedure, contact Southeast Valley Urology today and discover your potential outlook and quality of life after treatment.

Schedule a HIFU Consultation in Phoenix, AZ

Call (480) 924-7333 now to schedule your consultation at our urology clinic in Gilbert, AZ. By consulting with our board-certified urologists, you’ll gain profound insights into how HIFU can effectively combat prostate cancer. Don’t delay—let us show you the transformative potential of HIFU for you or your loved one’s journey to recovery.

 

When Is It Time To Consider A Penile Implant For Erectile Dysfunction

Posted on by Dr. Frank L. Simoncini

When is it time to consider a penile implant for erectile dysfunction? If you are tired of taking medications and waiting for them to work, frustrated that they limit your spontaneity, and you want something that is a more permanent solution to erectile dysfunction, you may have your answer. It might be now.

Continue reading “When Is It Time To Consider A Penile Implant For Erectile Dysfunction” →

Pro-Nox Nitrous Oxide Delivery System

Posted on by Dr. Frank L. Simoncini

Southeast Valley is excited to introduce Pro-Nox to our medical devices used at our urology clinic in Gilbert, AZ. Pro-Nox uses nitrous oxide as an anxiety-reducing method and can lessen discomforts felt during procedures such as cystoscopies, vasectomy, and biopsies. If you have an upcoming procedure with Southeast Valley Urology ask about how Pro-Nox can help you with pre-procedure anxiety.

Pro-Nox Patient Consent Form

Pronox Patient Brochure

 

 

When Is The Right Time To Get A Vasectomy?

Posted on by Dr. Frank L. Simoncini

A vasectomy may seem like a permanent fix to most men as it shuts the door on having any or more children. The truth is, that is not the whole story. Half a million men decide to have a vasectomy each year in the US. The decision begins with when is the right time to get a vasectomy and more importantly, is it right for you?

Continue reading “When Is The Right Time To Get A Vasectomy?” →