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

I saw my urologist yesterday and ask him about the HoLEP method and he was all for it, admitting that he hadn't learned the technique but would get me an appointment with Dr. Lingemann as I live in Indianapolis so I'm looking forward to getting this done. My prostate is @ 135 grams.

Sounds like Dr. L is perfect for you. Feel free to check in here and the group of us will be happy to answer any concerns. I'll also suggest that yiu create a screen name and use that when posting as we'll be able to address you more personally.

Steve

I would like to give you a tip: The food you eat every day effects your immunity system. Take a serious look at your daily consumption of fuel.

Hi big500, I live in Indianapolis and in interested in the doctor you refer to by the name of Dr. James Sloan at Methodist. Do you know if he has done very many of these HoLEP surgeries? Thanks for your response....stanart

Thanks Steve. I'll try to get myself signed in....stanart+++++

Thanks Steve. I'm attempting to get registered so that I can join you folks. stanart

To Stanart.  Not sure how many HoLEPs Dr. Sloan has performed.  His office is at IU West in Avon, IN.  Surgery is done at Methodist same group as Dr. Lingeman.  Dr. Sloan is my urologist and he is very easy to work with.  I am now 16 weeks post-op.  I attend the 500 every year, and Sunday was the first one I have enjoyed in comfort in years.  Only one trip to the head during the race and I was in and out like an 18 year old. 

From SgtSteve: been a while since I posted last. Had holep by Dr. Lingeman on 10/13/14 and never experienced any pain at all. manageable leakage lasted roughly 3 months. I still wear a thin panty liner for the occasional unexpected drip, which probably would occur at 67 anyway. You really don't even know there in your underwear anyway. It has been just over 6 months since holep and I have been wondering if anyone has experienced any negative sexual side affects. Personally, getting and maintaining an erection has been a little difficult without the help of Viagra. Don't know whether this problem is from holep or prior 6 bypass surgury in 2012 and 2 back surgeries (or just getting old). Aside from having to take a little blue pill periodically, I wouldn't hesitate a minute from having the surgury done again. I sleep through the night and i pee like I am 15 again. The biggest relief was when I was told all the tissue removed was noncancerous(original size of prostate was 130 grams)

I'm looking forward to having the HoLEP surgery as I'm having to wear this catheter with the hope that after the surgery, I won't have to continue wearing it....stanart

stanart - I do not know how many HoLEPs Dr, Sloan has performed. His primary office is at IUWest in Avon, IN. Surgery is done at Methodist - same group as Dr. Lingeman. Dr. Sloan is easy to work with. I attend the 500 every year and this was the first time in years I was comfortable the entire race. Got up to hit the head once and I was in and out like an 18 year old. Big500.

stanart - are you wearing a bag with the catheter?  I wore a catheter for a week and used a plug.  Removing the plug to urinate.  It was much easier than strapping on a bag.

Darn! I didn't know that one could do that! I wonder why I wasn't offered a catheter with a plug? I would much rather have that as this bag some days, causes me to bleed as it will occasionally get in a bind under my clothes and causes pain....stanart

I just talked to my urology nurse and she told me where to get the catheter plug which I now have installed. She told me to put the large catheter bag on at night so my bladder doesn't get too full. I'm hoping that now that I'm wearing this plug, that I will actually start feeling the urge to pee again during the day time. I'm assuming that I will....stanart

Well, my urology nurse called me, telling me that I have an appointment with Dr. Lingeman on July 14th for the HoLEP surger; not too bad and a little less then six weeks.  In the mean time, this catheter plug is working wonderful!...stanar

This is my first post here and I want to thank everyone for everything I have learned by reading so many posts.

I also want to ask for input and advice on my situation.  I am 66 years old and, other than BPH, in great shape.  I work out 6 days each week, probably 15 pounds overweight, eat well, etc.  I have had BPH for at least 15 years and the symptoms have very gradually been getting worse.

I have been on Flo-Max for the last couple of years.  Several months ago a couple of times per week I would barely be able to get a flow going at night.  I had been getting up 3 to 5 times per night.  I find it scary when I can't get it started.  Would be on the toilet for 15 minutes or so....maybe get a tiny amount out....try going back to sleep and 15 minutes later have to get up again at which time I might be able to get a tiny stream going.

Told my urologist who put me on Finesteride (Proscar) as well as the Flo-Max.  The combination of the two has improved all my symptoms.....although they are all still there.

I have discussed these drugs and surgeries and HoLep with my urologist.  His opinion is that if the drugs are working, and if I am not experiencing any side effects (which I do not think I am) that I can stay on those until the symptoms get worse, if indeed they do.  Otherwise, he suggests a Bi-Lateral TURP (which he considers the Gold Standard) unless my prostate is more than 100 ccs, in which case he suggests an open prostectetomy. I am scheduled for a trans rectal ultrasound next month to determine its size (5 years ago it was 80 to 90 ccs).

My questions:

1.  What are your opinions re: staying on these drugs indefinitely if they appear to be working??  Or, will my symptoms inevitably get worse and should I just accept the inevitable and get surgery sooner rather than later??

2.  Is there anyone reading this who thinks a Bi-Lateral TURP is a good idea vs HoLep??

3.  Is there any consensus on where to have HoLep done??   I live in Northern California and would have preferred the Mayo Clinic in AZ; but when I called they said they would not accept me under any circumstance (even if I paid 100% on my own) because I am on Medicare and because of the nature of my Kaiser Advantage Plus insurance.  So, I am thinking the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota (where they will accept my Medicare...go figure).

Thanks for your input.

RT