iTIND for Enlarged Prostate: Procedure, Benefits, Risks & Recovery

An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can interfere with normal urination as the prostate presses against the urethra. Men may experience a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination, urgency, incomplete bladder emptying or repeated trips to the bathroom at night.

Medicines can help many men manage these symptoms. However, some patients continue to experience urinary problems or prefer to explore minimally invasive treatments.

One emerging option is iTIND (temporary implantable nitinol device). This treatment uses a small, expandable metal device to reshape the urinary passage through the prostate. Unlike TURP and HoLEP, iTIND does not remove prostate tissue. Unlike UroLift, it does not leave permanent implants in the prostate.

Our urologist places the device temporarily and removes it after approximately five to seven days. During this period, the device applies controlled pressure to selected areas, helping reshape the passage through which urine flows.

Clinical studies have reported improvements in urinary symptoms and flow, with a generally favourable sexual-function profile. However, iTIND has a more limited evidence base than established procedures such as TURP and HoLEP, so doctors should carefully assess its suitability for each patient.

At Jyoti Hospital, Gurugram, men experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate can undergo a urological evaluation to understand the available treatment options and whether an emerging minimally invasive procedure may be appropriate.

What Is iTIND for an Enlarged Prostate?

iTIND is a temporary, minimally invasive device designed to improve urinary symptoms caused by benign prostate enlargement.

The name stands for temporary implantable nitinol device. Nitinol is a nickel-titanium alloy that can change shape in response to temperature and mechanical conditions.

The device contains three elongated struts and an anchoring component. After the urologist places it inside the prostatic urethra, it expands and applies controlled pressure to selected areas around the bladder outlet and prostate.

This pressure creates small channels or incisions as the tissue responds to compression. The resulting changes can widen the urinary passage and reduce obstruction.

Our urologist removes the device after approximately five to seven days. No permanent iTIND implant remains in the prostate after removal.

iTIND aims to improve urinary flow while avoiding the tissue removal associated with procedures such as TURP and HoLEP.

How Does an Enlarged Prostate Cause Urinary Problems?

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder. It surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

As benign prostate enlargement develops, the prostate can narrow this passage. The bladder then has to work harder to push urine through the obstruction.

This can cause:

Weak urine stream
Difficulty starting urination
Straining while urinating
Interrupted urine flow
Frequent urination during the day
Sudden urinary urgency
Frequent urination at night
A feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely
Urinary retention in more advanced cases

iTIND aims to reduce this obstruction by reshaping the urinary passage. However, not every urinary symptom comes from prostate enlargement. Bladder dysfunction, urinary infections, urethral narrowing and other conditions can cause similar problems.

Our urologist identifies the underlying cause before recommending treatment.

Who May Benefit From iTIND?

iTIND may be considered for selected men who experience bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms because of BPH and want to explore a minimally invasive treatment.

Clinical studies have generally enrolled men with moderate or bothersome urinary symptoms, reduced urinary flow and prostate volumes within specified ranges. Some studies excluded patients with an obstructive median lobe, substantial residual urine or previous prostate surgery.

Our urologist consider the following factors when assessing suitability:

Severity of urinary symptoms
IPSS score
Prostate size
Prostate anatomy
Presence of a median lobe
Urinary flow rate
Amount of urine remaining after urination
Bladder function
Previous urinary retention
Previous prostate procedures
Current medicines
General health
Desire to preserve ejaculation

iTIND is not suitable for every man with an enlarged prostate. Our doctor review the current evidence, available treatment options and the patient’s individual circumstances before recommending it.

Does Every Man With an Enlarged Prostate Need iTIND?

No. Many men with an enlarged prostate do not need a procedure.

Men with mild symptoms may benefit from monitoring and lifestyle changes. Others may improve with medicines that relax prostate and bladder-neck muscles or reduce prostate growth.

Our urologist may discuss procedural treatment when:

Urinary symptoms significantly affect quality of life
Medicines do not provide sufficient relief
Medication causes troublesome side effects
The patient prefers to explore procedural alternatives
Urinary obstruction requires more active treatment

Complications such as recurrent urinary retention, repeated urinary infections, bladder stones or kidney problems may require a more definitive treatment approach.

In such cases, our doctor determine whether iTIND offers adequate treatment or whether an established procedure such as TURP or HoLEP would be more appropriate.

What Tests Are Done Before iTIND?

Our urologist should confirm that BPH is responsible for the symptoms and assess whether the prostate anatomy suits the procedure.

Medical History: Our doctor may ask about urinary symptoms, previous urinary retention, infections, current medicines, previous prostate procedures and sexual-function concerns.
IPSS Score: The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) measures the severity of urinary symptoms.

The score ranges from 0 to 35:

IPSS score	Symptom severity
0–7	Mild
8–19	Moderate
20–35	Severe

Doctors can use this score to assess symptom burden and monitor treatment response. However, the score alone cannot determine whether iTIND is appropriate.

Urine Testing: A urine test can help identify infection or other urinary conditions that may require treatment before a procedure.
PSA Testing: Our doctor recommend a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test depending on your age, symptoms, examination findings and prostate cancer risk.
- PSA can increase in BPH and other prostate conditions, so doctors interpret the result in the context of the full assessment.
Prostate Imaging: Ultrasound can help estimate prostate volume and assess its anatomy.
- Our doctor pay particular attention to the prostate’s shape and the presence of a median lobe because these factors may influence procedural suitability.
Uroflowmetry: This test measures how quickly urine passes through the urinary tract. A reduced flow rate may indicate obstruction, although other conditions can also affect the result.
Post-Void Residual Measurement: A bladder scan can measure the amount of urine remaining after urination. A high residual volume may indicate incomplete bladder emptying.
Cystoscopy: In selected patients, our urologist may examine the urethra, prostate and bladder directly to understand the anatomy and determine whether iTIND is appropriate.

These tests help the doctor select a treatment that matches the patient’s symptoms, prostate anatomy and bladder function.

How Is the iTIND Procedure Performed?

iTIND involves two main stages: placing the temporary device and removing it several days later.

Step 1: Anaesthesia: The medical team uses an appropriate anaesthetic approach, which may include local anaesthesia and sedation. The exact approach depends on the patient’s condition, the treatment setting and the surgeon’s protocol.
Step 2: Inserting the Device: Our urologist passes a cystoscope or delivery instrument through the urethra to reach the prostate. The device remains folded during insertion.
Step 3: Deploying the Device: Our urologist releases the device in the prostatic urethra. It expands into its intended shape and positions its struts against selected areas around the bladder outlet and prostate.
Step 4: Reshaping the Urinary Passage: Over the next several days, the device applies controlled pressure to the surrounding tissue. This pressure produces local tissue changes that can help widen the urinary passage and reduce obstruction.
Step 5: Temporary Placement: The device remains in place for approximately five to seven days. During this period, patients need clear instructions about urination, discomfort, medicines and follow-up.
Step 6: Removing the Device: Our urologist removes the device in an outpatient setting using an endoscopic instrument. The removal usually does not require a major surgical incision. After removal, the device leaves no permanent implant behind.

How Does iTIND Improve Urine Flow?

iTIND works by applying controlled pressure to selected areas of the prostate and bladder outlet.

This pressure creates tissue changes that help reshape and widen the prostatic urethra. A wider passage can reduce resistance to urine flow.

The treatment differs from other BPH procedures:

iTIND: Temporarily reshapes the urinary passage and is then removed.
UroLift: Uses implants that remain in place to retract prostate tissue.
Rezūm: Uses water vapour to treat prostate tissue, which the body gradually removes.
TURP: Removes obstructing prostate tissue using a surgical instrument.
HoLEP: Uses a laser to separate and remove obstructing prostate tissue.

These procedures have different evidence bases, suitability criteria, benefits and limitations.

How Long Does iTIND Take?

The treatment involves an insertion procedure, several days with the device in place and a separate removal procedure.

The insertion and removal procedures are generally brief, but the total treatment period lasts longer because the device must remain in place for approximately five to seven days.

The exact duration depends on the patient’s anatomy, the treatment protocol and the urologist’s instructions.

Our doctor should explain the schedule for insertion, removal and follow-up before you proceed.

Does iTIND Require a Catheter?

Unlike some prostate procedures, iTIND is designed to remain in the urinary passage while the patient continues to urinate.

However, some patients may still need a urinary catheter, particularly if they develop urinary retention or have difficulty emptying the bladder.

Clinical studies have used different catheter protocols, so patients should not assume that catheter use is never necessary.

Our urologist will explain whether you need a catheter and what to do if you cannot pass urine normally.

Benefits of iTIND for Enlarged Prostate

iTIND offers several potential advantages for appropriately selected patients.

Minimally Invasive Approach: Our urologist places the device through the urethra, so the procedure does not require an external incision.
Temporary Device: Our device remains in place for approximately five to seven days and is then removed. No permanent iTIND implant remains in the prostate.
Potential Improvement in Urinary Symptoms: Clinical trials have reported improvements in IPSS scores, quality of life and maximum urinary flow after iTIND. In a randomised trial, the treatment group showed a mean IPSS reduction of 9.25 points at 12 months.
- However, outcomes vary, and iTIND has less extensive comparative evidence than established tissue-removing procedures.
Preservation of Sexual Function: Studies have reported a favourable sexual-function profile, including no new erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction in the pivotal randomised trial during its reported follow-up period.
- These findings are encouraging, but they cannot guarantee an identical outcome for every patient.
No Prostate Tissue Removal: iTIND does not remove prostate tissue like TURP and HoLEP.
Outpatient Device Removal: Our urologist removes the device in an outpatient setting. The treatment does not usually require a prolonged hospital stay solely for device removal.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of iTIND?

iTIND is minimally invasive, but it can still cause side effects and complications.

Temporary Urinary Symptoms: During treatment and recovery, you may experience:
- Burning during urination
- Urinary urgency
- Increased urinary frequency
- Blood in the urine
- Pelvic discomfort
- Discomfort while the device remains in place

Clinical studies have generally reported mild or transient adverse events, although the type and frequency of symptoms vary between studies.

Urinary Retention: Some patients may develop difficulty passing urine and require temporary catheterisation or further treatment.
Urinary Tract Infection: A UTI can occur after an endoscopic procedure or while the device remains in place.

Seek medical advice if you develop fever, chills, worsening urinary pain or other signs of infection.

Bleeding: Small amounts of blood in the urine may occur. Heavy bleeding, large clots or difficulty passing urine require prompt medical assessment.
Device Displacement: The device must remain correctly positioned to work as intended. Displacement can cause complications and may require medical intervention.
Need for Further Treatment: iTIND does not remove the prostate tissue responsible for BPH. Some men may experience persistent or recurring symptoms and eventually need medicines or another procedure.

Limitations of the Evidence

Although clinical trials and follow-up studies show promising results, the number of patients studied remains more limited than for established treatments such as TURP and HoLEP. The EAU 2026 guidelines continue to classify iTIND among non-ablative techniques under investigation.

Our urologist should discuss this uncertainty alongside the potential benefits before treatment.

Does iTIND Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Available clinical studies have reported a favourable erectile-function profile after iTIND.

In the pivotal randomised trial, researchers did not observe new erectile dysfunction in the treatment group during the reported follow-up period.

However, erectile function can change for reasons unrelated to prostate treatment, including diabetes, vascular disease, medications and ageing.

Our urologist should consider your baseline sexual function and medical history when discussing treatment options.

No procedure can guarantee that erectile function will remain unchanged in every patient.

Does iTIND Cause Retrograde Ejaculation?

One potential advantage of iTIND is the preservation of ejaculation.

Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder instead of passing out through the penis during orgasm. It can occur after certain prostate procedures, particularly those that alter tissue around the bladder outlet.

Clinical studies of iTIND have reported preservation of ejaculatory function during the reported follow-up periods.

These results are encouraging, particularly for men who prioritise sexual function. However, doctors should explain the limitations of the available evidence before treatment.

What Is Recovery Like After iTIND?

Recovery involves two stages: the period when the temporary device remains in place and the period after our urologist removes it.

While the Device Is in Place

For approximately five to seven days, you may notice:

Urinary urgency or frequency
Burning during urination
Mild blood in the urine
Pelvic discomfort
Changes in your usual urinary pattern

The symptoms can vary between patients. Follow your urologist’s instructions about activity, medicines, fluids and device care.

After Device Removal

Your urinary symptoms may improve gradually after our urologist removes the device. The speed and extent of improvement vary.

Our doctor may arrange follow-up visits to assess symptom scores, urinary flow, bladder emptying and any complications.

Returning to Normal Activities

Ask our urologist when you can return to work, exercise, cycling and sexual activity. The advice may depend on your symptoms, the procedure protocol and how your recovery progresses.

Avoid strenuous activity if it worsens bleeding or discomfort, and follow any specific restrictions from your treating team.

The most important point is that the device’s removal does not guarantee immediate or complete symptom relief. Continue follow-up so our doctor can evaluate the result and discuss further treatment if necessary.

When Can You Return to Work After iTIND?

Your return to work depends on your recovery, the nature of your job and the symptoms you experience while the device remains in place.

Desk-based work may be easier to resume than work involving:

Heavy lifting
Vigorous physical activity
Repeated bending
Cycling
Prolonged physical exertion

Discuss your work requirements with our urologist before the procedure. Our doctor can advise you on appropriate activity restrictions during the five-to-seven-day device period and after removal.

When Can You Exercise After iTIND?

Follow our urologist’s instructions about physical activity while the device remains in place and after its removal.

Our doctor recommend temporarily avoiding strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and cycling, particularly if these activities increase discomfort or bleeding.

Resume exercise gradually when your symptoms have settled and our urologist confirms that it is appropriate.

When Can You Have Sex After iTIND?

Ask our urologist when it is safe to resume sexual activity.

The device remains inside the urinary passage for several days, so our doctor may advise you to avoid sexual activity during this period and until any discomfort or bleeding settles.

iTIND studies have reported favourable outcomes for erectile and ejaculatory function, but you should follow our treating team’s individual advice about timing and recovery.

When Should You Contact a Doctor After iTIND?

Contact our urologist promptly if you develop:

Fever or chills
Increasing urinary pain
Severe pelvic or abdominal pain
Heavy bleeding
Large blood clots
Difficulty passing urine
Complete inability to urinate
Symptoms that worsen rather than improve
Concerns that the device has moved or is not functioning correctly

Complete inability to urinate, heavy bleeding or severe pain requires prompt medical assessment.

Do not attempt to adjust or remove the device yourself.

How Long Do the Benefits of iTIND Last?

Clinical studies suggest that symptom improvements can persist after the temporary device has been removed.

The pivotal randomised trial reported improvements in urinary symptoms, quality of life and maximum urinary flow through 12 months. Longer-term observational studies have also reported sustained improvements in selected patients beyond three years.

However, long-term evidence remains less extensive than for established procedures such as TURP and HoLEP.

The underlying prostate tissue remains after iTIND, so some men may experience recurring symptoms or require additional treatment.

Our urologist can explain what the available evidence means for your specific condition and follow-up plan.

Can iTIND Cure an Enlarged Prostate?

iTIND does not remove the prostate or eliminate the underlying tendency toward prostate enlargement.

Instead, it aims to reshape the urinary passage and reduce obstruction.

Some men experience sustained symptom improvement, while others may continue to have symptoms or need further treatment.

A successful outcome therefore depends on appropriate patient selection, the underlying cause of urinary symptoms and the patient’s response to treatment.

Does iTIND Prevent Prostate Cancer?

No. iTIND treats urinary obstruction caused by benign prostate enlargement. It does not prevent prostate cancer.

If your PSA level is elevated, your prostate examination is abnormal or our doctor identifies other concerning findings, you may need further evaluation before choosing a BPH procedure.

Because iTIND does not remove prostate tissue for routine pathological examination, doctors should address relevant cancer concerns through appropriate assessment.

iTIND vs UroLift

Both iTIND and UroLift aim to improve urinary symptoms while avoiding conventional tissue-removing surgery. However, they work differently.

Feature	iTIND	UroLift
Main mechanism	Temporarily reshapes the urinary passage	Retracts obstructing prostate tissue
Device duration	Approximately 5–7 days	Implants remain in place
Permanent implant	No	Yes
Prostate tissue removed	No	No
Sexual-function evidence	Promising, but more limited	Larger established evidence base
Recovery	Includes a temporary device period and removal	Usually a single treatment episode
Further treatment	May be needed	May be needed

The best option depends on prostate anatomy, symptom severity, treatment priorities and the evidence supporting each procedure.

iTIND vs Rezūm

iTIND and Rezūm are both minimally invasive options, but they use different mechanisms.

Feature	iTIND	Rezūm
Treatment method	Temporary mechanical reshaping	Water-vapour thermal treatment
Device remains permanently	No	No
Tissue destruction	Pressure-induced tissue changes	Thermal injury to selected tissue
Symptom improvement	Develops after reshaping and healing	Develops as treated tissue is gradually removed
Sexual function	Promising preservation data	Generally favourable preservation data
Recovery	Device remains for several days	Temporary urinary symptoms may persist during healing

Neither treatment suits every patient. Our urologist should consider prostate size, anatomy, bladder function and the evidence available for each procedure.

iTIND vs TURP

TURP is an established surgical procedure that removes obstructing prostate tissue. iTIND temporarily reshapes the urinary passage without removing tissue.

Feature	iTIND	TURP
Technique	Temporary device	Surgical tissue removal
External incision	No	No
Prostate tissue removed	No	Yes
Evidence base	More limited	Extensive
Symptom improvement	Can be meaningful in selected patients	Established and often substantial
Sexual effects	Studies report favourable preservation	Retrograde ejaculation is common
Further treatment	May be needed	May be needed

For men with significant obstruction or complications of BPH, TURP may offer a more established treatment option. Our urologist should assess whether a less invasive approach would provide adequate relief.

iTIND vs HoLEP

HoLEP uses a laser to separate and remove obstructing prostate tissue. iTIND uses temporary pressure to reshape the urinary passage.

HoLEP may be appropriate when a patient needs a more definitive tissue-removing procedure, including in many men with large prostates.

iTIND may interest selected patients who want to explore a temporary-device approach and prioritise preservation of sexual function.

However, iTIND has less extensive evidence and is not interchangeable with HoLEP. The doctor should consider prostate size, anatomy, bladder function, severity of obstruction and the need for durable symptom relief.

Is iTIND Better Than UroLift, Rezūm, TURP or HoLEP?

No single BPH treatment is best for every patient.

The choice depends on:

Prostate size and anatomy
Severity of urinary symptoms
Urinary flow and residual urine
Bladder function
Previous urinary retention
Sexual-function priorities
The patient’s general health
The desired balance between recovery and treatment durability
The strength of clinical evidence supporting each option

iTIND has shown promising results, but the EAU 2026 guidelines still classify it among non-ablative techniques under investigation. Patients should understand this evidence limitation when comparing it with established procedures.

Our urologist can explain the relative benefits, risks and uncertainties before recommending treatment.

How Jyoti Hospital Can Help

At Jyoti Hospital, Gurugram, men with urinary symptoms can undergo a structured evaluation for benign prostate enlargement.

Our urology team can assess:

Urinary symptoms and IPSS score
Prostate size and anatomy
PSA level when appropriate
Urinary flow
Post-void residual urine
Bladder function
Previous treatments
Sexual-function priorities
Possible complications of BPH

Based on the findings, the doctor can discuss medical management and procedural options such as TURP, HoLEP, Rezūm and UroLift. If iTIND is under consideration, the team should explain its availability, suitability and current evidence base.

The aim is to choose a treatment that matches the patient’s clinical needs rather than recommending the same procedure to everyone.

Final Thoughts

iTIND is a temporary-device treatment designed to improve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. Our urologist places the device in the prostatic urethra for approximately five to seven days and then removes it, leaving no permanent implant behind.

Clinical studies have reported improvements in urinary symptoms, quality of life and urinary flow, with encouraging findings on preservation of erectile and ejaculatory function. However, iTIND has a more limited evidence base than established procedures such as TURP and HoLEP.

The most important step is a careful urological assessment. Prostate size, anatomy, bladder function, symptom severity and individual treatment priorities all influence whether iTIND is an appropriate option.

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FAQs

What does iTIND stand for?
- iTIND stands for temporary implantable nitinol device. It is a temporary device designed to reshape the prostatic urethra and improve urinary symptoms caused by BPH.
How long does iTIND stay in the prostate?
- The device generally remains in place for approximately five to seven days before our urologist removes it.
Is iTIND painful?
- Patients may experience discomfort during insertion, while the device remains in place or during removal. The level of discomfort varies, and the medical team can explain the anaesthesia and pain-relief options available.
How quickly does iTIND work?
- The device reshapes the urinary passage during the several days it remains in place. Symptom improvement can develop over the following weeks and months, but the timing and degree of improvement vary.
Is iTIND better than TURP?
- Not necessarily. TURP has a more extensive evidence base and often provides substantial relief of urinary obstruction. iTIND offers a different, less tissue-destructive approach, but its evidence remains more limited. The right choice depends on the individual patient.