Experiences with Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate, HoLEP, Laser Surgery

Amazing-- how convenient and paid for by Medicare. Excellent. Steve-You are very fortunate--
Yes, it is time to enjoy life and I hope you also have a great summer.
Let's stay in touch.Bill in CA

I am now 7 weeks post OP and can report on the recovery process in more detail.  As many others did, I had a little blood in the urine, especially at the beginning and end of urination, for about 3 weeks, but it stopped by the end of the 4th week.  There were also bits of tissue that popped out as the scab sloughs off.  Because I had a catheter for two weeks pre-OP, the stream was just huge immediately post-OP, like a firehose,d that has 

I really needed to take it easy, I noticed that going for too rigorous a walk during the first three weeks felt like a setback in terms of bleeding.  I drank lots and lots of water, 3 liters per day, which Dr. Roosen said was absolutely necessary to keep flushing the bladder out.  I've had a few instances of incontinence, particularly when trying to get to a toilet in a hurry, and I think for a long flight I will wear the pads I used during the first two weeks.    

I wore a catheter for two weeks pre-OP because I had a complete block.  Post-OP the stream was just huge, like a firehose, and that has slimmed down though the size of the steam does not affect the ability to empty the bladder.  I can actually feel the sphincter open and close, which I did not feel as much before the Holep.  

I now get up at night to pee maybe once (maybe twice if I drank lots in the evening).  I might pee at midnight and then again at 5.  That is a big improvement over getting up 5 or 6 times a night pre-OP.  

Erections are normal and ejaculation does not seem to have been affected at all, but maybe that will change over time.  

I am happy with the result, and do not regret having had the Holep at all.  It has been an improvement in the quality of life.  If you are thinking of having this procedure done, just make sure you find a doctor with as much as experience as possible.   

Bill in CH

GREAT to hear Bill - it sounds like what happened to most of us. And yes the pads are easy to pack but my guess (I'm NOT a doctor) is that you won't need them after 6 months. And thanks for checking in. We have discussed the BEST doctor but, honestly, I don't think there are that many who perform HoLep. It's that new. Yes, folks should check references I don't remember anyone here posting that their doctor was an issue. In Philly Dr. Das does them every Friday and every other Thursday (I think that's still his schedule) . Continue to send update guys!

Steve, thanks for writing back. I keep harping on finding Dr. Right, I know, but it really was brought home to me by a fellow patient in the clinic where I had my Holep done. His urologist recommended a green light laser procedure and urged him to have it done... by no one other than the trusted urologist himself. Well, he didn't know any better and went along with it. As it turned out, the urologist did not have much experience and basically destroyed the guy's sphincter muscle. He was then infected during an operation to insert an artificial sphincter and was having the infection removed at the time I was having my Holep. He still has to have a third operation to have the implant installed, at a later date. Hence my constant harping on making sure your doctor has the experience. Dr. Roosen performed the Holep perfectly, he even mentioned that my sphincter was in perfect shape and was undamaged.

"Hence my constant harping on making sure your doctor has the experience. Dr. Roosen performed the Holep perfectly, he even mentioned that my sphincter was in perfect shape and was undamaged. ". I most certainly agree. I think anyone who finds this thread can post the name of any Doctor not yet mentioned (Roosen, Das, Lingerman and I think one in England so far) and can get feedback. As discussed previously, if you can find one locally (so you have less travel AND they can follow up with you in person) that is great - I was lucky as Doc and hospital is walking distance from my house! - but anyone can run a name by here for confirmation as to results. I can't tell you how thankful I was to find this Newsgroup and have tried to give back where I can.

I have been reading all I can regarding the HoLEP procedure.  Seems I have a 237g prostrate and a urologist recommeding the Bipolar TURP procedure. I have worn a catheter for the last 3 weeks. After reading about HoLEP, I began searching for qualified urologist. I came across Dr. Lingeman (my insurance doesn't cover him), Dr. Nicole Miller (Nashville) and Dr. Bodo Knudsen (Columbus, OH). Since I live in Akron I have made an appointment with Dr. Knudsen. Does anyone have any experience with him or are you aware of other urologist performing HoLEP in the Cleveland/Akron area.

HELLO, I know this is scarry but,if you get the right surgeon, you wont regret it. had surgery with dr kuo, albany ny. he was a student of dr lingeman for 3 yrs. I am 65 yr old male that had not slept thru the night in 15 yrs. its been 6,days since surgery, no pain, bleeding, little leakage when bend over but getting better. can empty bladder in less 10 seconds.

Hi "Guest" (if you provide at least firsrt name or sign in as user we can address yiu more personally. That's Great news and I think we all agree that HoLep has been life-changing for all of us. It';s almost 2 years since surgery for me and while I get up maybe once every few nights (usually from eating salads with lots of water in them) and every so often finding I need a restroom at an inconvenient time - from drinking too much - liefe has been great. Please keep checking back on your progress.!

Hi Reesebruce'
Its good to hear you are considering HOLEP over the TURP 237 g is a Large prostate . I was sent to Dr Lingeman with one 110 g about the size of a baseball. I am not familiar with the Dr you mentioned. Dont be afraid to ask how many he has performed . It is your body !
Just me

Since my post, I have spoke  to Dr. Lingeman's office. They had never heard of Dr. Knudsen. Dr. Lingeman's nurse has been with him for over 13 years and gave me a list of referrals. Most of them have been listed in the posts, but there was a doctor suggested in Louisville, KY (up to 100 g prostates).

Yesterday I made an appointment with Dr. Nicole Miller in Nashville for mid Septembe. I'm now trying to read through the other posts to see if others have use this physician.

Hi reesebruce,
There is another site on Steadyhealth called best Drs for HOLEP . You might want to into that site . Nicole Miller is mentioned there . Dr Lingeman trained her. Dr Lingeman is a top notch Dr. I was very impressed with ALL of his staff. I would think He would choose the cream of the crop when It comes to who will train. It sounds you are making a wise decision.
just me

Dear Reesebruce: I went to the best: Dr. Lingeman. It was a very good decision and he is excellent--worth the wait, worth the cost, worth the inconvenience of a hotel room in Indiana and travel. He is highly competent, friendly, and his staff is outstanding. Bill in CA

Dr. Lingeman in Indianapolis.

Thanks for the info. I'm scheduled in one week. My prostate is around 60 g. Not as big as some I have read about on here. I'm being a bit proactive with my situation. I'm 57 and don't want to continue taking meds. Get up twice per night.

Bill--thanks for all your info this past year. I have been studying HoLEP for 12 months. I'm scheduled with Dr. Lingeman on Sept. 26.