Does the bladder ever return to a more normal size after surgery for BPH?

Posted , 13 users are following.

My MRI from several years ago, for a spinal issue, had notes from the tech saying: "trabeculation of the bladder."

I brought this up to my GP (the technician's notes) on my own, as my GP hadn't even commented to me about the MRI and bladder notation (nor did my neurosurgeon). When I asked him, my GP made it sound like this was something that just happened as you get older, etc. I had no urinary problems at that time, so I didn't think anything of it. God, what a mistake.

Well, two years later, as in right NOW, I'm really suffering with BPH, to the point where I had to learn how to self-cath this afternoon at the urologist's office -- which totally freaked me out, especially when I saw how much urine I released (after having just used the bathroom ten minutes prior).

I'm hoping for GLEP after the cystoscope procedure next week, as I assume it's my enlarged prostate that's the issue.

But I'm wondering, will my bladder remain compromised and over-sized for the rest of my life (I'm 62) or does it return to more normal functioning and size after there is reduction in BPH issues?

Thanks for any insights you guys might share.

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    First of all Sorry for your problem. And what is a GLEP. With any procedure if your prostate is enlarged and the problem it will take the pressure off the bladder neck. It may go down and it may now only time will tell. There will be less stress on the bladder.

    Have a good DayKen

  • Posted

    I have a similar problem and have been self cathing for a year. I had about 1.4 liters in my bladder when I discovered my problem. I was retaining urine for at least 2.5 years. From what I've read, recovery of the bladder from what we've experienced is the exception and not the norm. My Uro can't seem to tell me if I'll ever void normally again.

  • Posted

    David, I'm 71 and have the same issue but later in life than you. Actually you bladder became smaller, not larger, it's just its wall thickened because muscles need now to strain stronger to push the urine through obstructed neck. I had my PAE in March 2018 after almost total obstruction and experiencing the whole spectrum of phenomena well described by the honorable members of this forum. Bleeding,, frequent night and day urination, self-cath, etc. ER visits. in 30 days after PAE my obstruction is totally gone and most phenomena associated with bladder gone as well. I can hold my urine up 6 hours sometime, most of the time overnight til 6 am and don't experience any bladder control difficulties. I didn't have any additional CT/MRI or cystoscopy after my procedure. Ultrasound showed an empty bladder after urination. Of course, you bladder will never be as in your 20th but it will much more relaxed and possibly the trabeculation (thickening of the wall ) might decrease slightly, which will make it larger (not smaller) and the bladder to hold more urine before you have an urge. Dramatic changes are unlikely but you will feel much better in control of your bladder after any successful procedure that removes the obstruction and doesn't do any surgery on the bladder neck.

    I have even a diverticula in my bladder, which I don't feel in any way. They could be a problem if one develops bladder stones.

    Decreasing the size of the prostate and liquidating the partial obstruction is the key to healing of the bladder wall.

    Best.Gene

  • Posted

    David, I'm 71 and have the same issue but later in life than you. Actually you bladder became smaller, not larger, it's just its wall thickened because muscles need now to strain stronger to push the urine through obstructed neck. I had my PAE in March 2018 after almost total obstruction and experiencing the whole spectrum of phenomena well described by the honorable members of this forum. Bleeding,, frequent night and day urination, self-cath, etc. ER visits. in 30 days after PAE my obstruction is totally gone and most phenomena associated with bladder gone as well. I can hold my urine up 6 hours sometime, most of the time overnight til 6 am and don't experience any bladder control difficulties. I didn't have any additional CT/MRI or cystoscopy after my procedure. Ultrasound showed an empty bladder after urination. Of course, you bladder will never be as in your 20th but it will much more relaxed and possibly the trabeculation (thickening of the wall ) might decrease slightly, which will make it larger (not smaller) and the bladder to hold more urine before you have an urge. Dramatic changes are unlikely but you will feel much better in control of your bladder after any successful procedure that removes the obstruction and doesn't do any surgery on the bladder neck.

    I have even a diverticula in my bladder, which I don't feel in any way. They could be a problem if one develops bladder stones.

    Decreasing the size of the prostate and liquidating the partial obstruction is the key to healing of the bladder wall.

    Best.Gene

    • Posted

      "I have even a diverticula in my bladder, which I don't feel in any way. They could be a problem if one develops bladder stones."

      In my research, if you keep your urine ph high, use cranberry supplements along with increased potassium, bladder stones should not be a problem. I have bladder div as well. Interesting thing about me is that while my bladder appears somewhat distended, every ultrasound I've taken, including one at the ER (did not urinate for 12 hours, thought I was acute) has shown PVR under 100 ML's. I do likely need to do urodynamics to get a clearer picture on this though.

      My concern in having a BPH procedure is thinking I might not have enough bladder pressure left over to pee normally again. I pee great if I drink a ton or water fast (32 or more ounces in an hour) but that leads to me basically peeing every 5 to 10 minutes for an hour. I need to get my patient files released to me to find out my exact prostate size. Uros out where I live basically stink. However, anyone out there who knows of a good Uro in Vegas area, please let me know!

  • Posted

    Before my HoLEP my Uro was worried that my greatly enlarged bladder would now be 'dead' and unable to push even when the BPH was fixed. I had a Urodynamics test done and fortunately it showed my bladder still had great muscle strength so the HoLEP went ahead very successfully. I suspect my bladder is still enlarged but it does it's job well. BTW my urodynamics scan showed that my bladder wall was just beginning to 'balloon' so I recommend getting BPH fixed if the bladder is being stretched.

  • Posted

    I had a HoLEP 3 years ago and my bladder returned to normal function within a couple of weeks.

    I cannot comment on whether or not it returned to normal size but given that I am experiencing normal function I would expect that it has.

    • Posted

      Where did you have your Holep? Any problem with incontinence? How big was your prostate? Thanks.

  • Posted

    Addenbrookes, Cambridge. November 2015. Aged 67

    100cc (predominantly median lobe enlargement)

    No problems whatsoever with incontinence. I started pelvic floor muscle exercises 2 months before the procedure which ensured good bladder control post procedure. Only a few dribbles in the first week then fully continent.

  • Posted

    Hi, Gene 97713 described really well what is going on. I had many years of problems due to the median lobe and urination became more and more difficult. I had to go very often and my bladder capacity decreased. I could normally hold around 100 ml and had to plan well my bathroom visits. Last year in October I had surgery and the urologist said that I would regain some capacity over time. Indeed, one year later, I can hold over 200 ml, sleep 6 hours without getting up and don't have any urgencies anymore. So, I am very pleased about being able to live normally again. Good luck to you!

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