Hi RT, I'm 71 years old with a enlarged prostate, @ 135 grams, getting up 4 to 8 times a night. I'm now on a waiting list for the HoLEP surgery for July 14th. As I understand it, the urology surgeons who have been trained and use the HoLEP method highly recommend it over the TURP surgery or even the Blue Light Laser method. But, the vast majority of urology surgeons haven't learned the HoLEP surgery because it has a steep learning curve and doesn't pay any more then the much easier TURP (roto-ruter) method. As a result, they don't recommend any surgery that they don't perform...stanart
Hi RT, I'm 71 and on a waiting list for the HoLEP surgery, having learned that those urology surgeons who have learned the technique of performing the HoLEP surgery, highly recommend it over the other methods...stanart
RT: As I think Don in Delaware recently posted (he had his in Philly like me), MOST urologists don't know Holep exists. Penn Medicine in Philly (BTW, this is America's OLDEST hospital - Ben Franklin founded it!). Doesn't do it. Their urologists love to use Flomax and Avodart (the generic versions). This all recent (HoLep) and - speeking for mysdelf. Not having to take EITHER pill (and remember to do it) from one day of surgery (that is fully covered by Medicare) was one of the best things to happen to me. Of course I didn't have travel expenses. I don't expect for you to fly to Philly but others in midwest or southwest will guide you. But, I doubt yiu'll find more than one person (if that) who regrets having the surgery)
Hi RT,
Finesteride is supposed to slow the growth of the prostate. My Dr was concerned it could also cause any cancer {if present} to become a more aggressive form.
I was found to have a 110 gram prostate almost 1/4 of a pound , or the size of a baseball. Yours is not much smaller than mine.
As the prostate grows it constricts the urethra blocking the flow of urine. That flow can stop at a very inconvenient time as it did with me. TWICE.
I had to self cath from July to the end of October,as I was waiting for my surgery. Knowing what I know now about the HOLEP surgery, I would not wait . It was a surgery but not as bad I I had imagined it . It was uncomfortable at times but Not painful. I never took anything for the pain except the morphine in the Iv coming out of the recovery room. After that ,Nothing.
Next, If you prostate is near 100 grams, a turp is not the best idea. In a turp, The interior is cut away and left to bleed . A prostate the size of a baseball can bleed a lot. I would advise you google turp and holep on youtube . There are actual procedures you can view,
The HOLEP uses a laser to cut and cauterize the wound causing a lot less bleeding. It is also possible to remove much more tissue than a turp. My Dr told me I will never need another surgery the rest of my life. My Uncle had a turp several years ago after having a Green Light laser surgery and is now experiencing the old symptoms again. he is 76 years old and in excellent health. The possibility of 3 prostate surgeries!
If you compare turp vs Holep you will find the recovery time is much faster with HOLEP. I was back to work in two weeks after holep surgery. I would not even want to consider the open surgery if it was a choice between HOLEP and Open surgery.
It has been over 3 years since my surgery.
After sleeping through the night a couple days ago I woke up in the morning having to urinate. I measured my output at 24 Oz. It took less than 10 seconds to empty my Bladder. The only side effect I have is Retrograde Ejaculation.
I sleep through the night.
I can empty my bladder quickly.
I am not affected sexually other than RE,
I dont have to take pills ,
I will never have to have surgery again for BPH.
I do not regret for a minute having this surgery.
Do some research on holep and turp . You will find holep is the better choice.
As you will notice if you have read through this forum , Those of us who have had this surgery are partial to our own Drs. I cant advise you on any Dr due to your circumstances . Just make sure you have a Dr that Knows what he or she is doing. and has some experience with the surgery.
Hope this helps
just me
I have stayed on this forum for a long time. Why? There is not a day I dont thank God for the healing he has given me through the Drs and this surgery. It is a way of giving back , by helping others confronted with the struggles BPH brings on one and their spouse.
just me
I am now 17 weeks post-op. Just back from a 3 night 2 day trip to DC. Drove up to Gettysburg and rented a bike to tour the battlegrounds. First time in the saddle since HoLEP. Rode about 20 miles over 5 hours (including stopping) without issue or need to change a guard. Next day rode the metro to Arlington Cemetery and downtown DC did lots of walking again on one guard. I couldn't have made this trip pe-HoLEP. Truly prayers were answered.
Stanart - I slept with the plug in (did not use bag) with no issues.
Long post...
Dr James Lingeman performed my HoLEP surgery May 29 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. The experience was not as bad as I feared, but not nearly as problem-free as some here have posted. My wife and I spent the night before in downtown Indy, and, as an aside, I had the best Mac & Cheese of my life at the Yard House restaurant.
I checked in to Methodist at 6:00 AM; the staff was friendly, helpful and accomodating to both both of us. They had lockers in the waiting room so that she would not be burdened with our luggage. Within a few minutes of arrival we were taken to their pre-op area. I signed the requisite releases initializing out the part that would have allowed Dr Lingeman's fellows and residents to "help" with the surgery. When Dr Lingeman arrived he seemed fine with my request that he alone do the HoLEP. The anesthesiogist arrived and explained his role and choice of drugs. I was taken to the OR around 7:00 and woke up around 8:30 in recovery feeling pretty good. My wife told me that Dr Lingeman reported that the surgery took less than an hour and that I'd be in recovery an hour or two.
The staff in recovery was pleasant and caring. Unfortunately, I did quite a bit more bleeding than normal and I lingered there for about 4 hours. At one point I felt nausea and weakness (vasovagal syndrome), Dr Lingeman and a resident came by and I was given a unit of Amicar (aminocaproic acid, an anti-fibrinolytic to stop the clots from dissolving), my IV fluids were turned up, and within a few minutes my weakness dissapated. After another hour or so they transfered me to my hospital room. If I can be critical at all I would say that one of my recovery room nurses was not as responsive as she should have been when I told her that I was concerned that my wife was worried that I was not doing well. They would not let her in to recovery to see me until 3 hours after she had spoken with the surgeon. My wife, knowing that I should have been recovered far earlier, was, in fact, frantic until they let her see and speak with me.
The rest of my stay went very well. The floor nurses were, again, friendly, professional and compassionate. So long as the catheter was in, my pain level was never higher than 1 (0-10). My wife was allowed a cot in my private room, and we ordered in a pizza for dinner. They removed my catheter at 4:00 the next morning (pain level 4). I then had to urinate 2 times (pain level 6) before I could be discharged. On the ride home (I drove), I felt the urge to go, but couldn't pull into the service station in time. Thank goodness for the pad I was wearing--there was no mess and no reason to stop the car. The rest of the ride was uneventful. For the first 2 days I did pass blood clots which seemed to originate from the area of the enucleated prostate and not the bladder. Starting urination was a little painful. It has now been 3 days since my HoLEP. I've taken a total of 2 ibuprofen. The urge incontinence has gotten better. My urine is now the color of pink lemonade, and my flow is much better than it has been in years. I've been drinking lots of water and only had to get up twice last night. I'm going to have to relearn how to selectively pass gas without dribbling a little. All in all so far, so good. I'll keep you posted.
Larry
Yes, I was treated for BPH with the HoLEP technique, last Wednesday(5/27). at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, by Dr. James Lingeman.
My prostate measured 233 grams. the surgery lasted 2 hours, and I was released the next day at noon. My surgery catheter was removed at 4 AM and I began to urinate on my own for the first time in 4 mos. I was facing an 'open prostatectomy' here in Central WA. and 5+ days in the hospital, with major complications and a very long recovery. I have had NO pain and very minor blood in my urine. I have lifting restrictions, 10# for one week, and can not straddle a bike, riding mower, etc. for 3 weeks. This surgery procedure was suggested by my long time family urologist in Terre Haute, Dr. Pulkit Patel, an associate of my Father. I am so very grateful for the referral and to have been able to have received the excellent care of Dr. Lingeman! It was so worth the long flights to and from IN. I'm doing very well and planning to return to full activities very soon. I encourage other men to reserch the HoLEP option, and most certainly visit Dr. Lingeman and his team...With gratitude. Paul Humphrey
It has been about 2.5 weeks since Dr Lingeman did my HoLEP. Things are progressing nicely. There is no pain on urination. Almost all of the bleeding stopped within 10 days. I returned to moderate lifting and sex a few days ago and had some blood spotting. Not sure which activity caused the bleeding. The sex is just as satisfying as before the surgery, albeit with RE. I have much improved urination and am nearly 100% continent. I have no urge incontinence and only occasional stress incontinence. I am able to hold up to 8 oz of urine, but that is a big improvement over what I could do before the surgery. I have switched from Depend underpants to a guard which I expect only to need for a short time longer. Very happy with the outcome, hoping for continued improvement. I'll keep you posted.
Larry