How to cite: Chughtai B. Urethral “Implants” for BPH. Grand Rounds in Urology. October, 2025. Accessed Apr 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/urethral-implants-for-bph/
Summary
Bilal Chughtai, MD, FPMRS, Chief of Urology at Plainview Hospital, Northwell Health, Syosset, New York, presents an overview of urethral implants for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), explaining how these implants fit within the broader landscape of BPH management in 2025. He begins with the rationale for minimally invasive approaches and notes that many men prefer options that preserve sexual function and reduce catheterization, anesthesia, and recovery time. He explains that urethral implants differ from ablative and resective therapies because they mechanically expand the urethral channel without removing tissue.
Dr. Chughtai reviews anatomic requirements for implant-based therapy and emphasizes the clinical importance of lobe configuration, prostate volume, urethral angulation, and the presence or absence of a median lobe. He highlights that patients with favorable anatomy benefit from a predictable lateral lobe lift and sustained improvement in urinary flow. He states that patient selection remains the most essential factor in predicting success.
Dr. Chughtai describes how urethral implants work by compressing tissue along the prostatic urethra, thereby widening the channel and reducing obstruction. He explains that the mechanical effect is immediate and does not rely on thermal ablation or ischemia. He notes that improvements in technique have produced more consistent implant placement and better targeting of the obstruction point. He also outlines the expected symptom reduction, the durability of the outcome, and the typical follow-up course.
Dr. Chughtai states that urethral implants may be well-suited for men who value ejaculation preservation and rapid symptom relief. He discusses clinical scenarios in which implants are not optimal, including significant median lobe enlargement or unfavorable urethral geometry. He concludes by reinforcing that implant-based therapy expands the range of office-based BPH solutions and should be incorporated into a structured decision pathway that aligns treatment choice with anatomy, goals, and functional priorities.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bilal Chughtai, MD, FPMRS, is Chief of Urology at Plainview Hospital in Syosset, New York. Dr. Chughtai specializes in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and male voiding dysfunction. He maintains a deep, longitudinal interest in these highly prevalent and debilitating conditions and has focused both his clinical, research, and teaching activities on these areas.
