Problems after Turp procedure

Dai and Ray...Don't let the doctor say that it is a easy fix for a stricture.  It a major operation.  They have to cut through all the musles between your legs and cut it out.  Then they put the 2 ends together  Look it up Urethroplasty   Watch the videos.  It's not easy   Ken

Frank  Don't have a turp.  Tell them no.  If you can have the uro-lift or one of the other less trouble surgery.  I hate to say this but at your age I would be worried about the bleeding and other thing you don't need that.  Take care  ken

Thanks, i felt the same way i was worried about this surgery. Have you .or do you know someone who had uro-lift?

I had a uro-lift done in april of 2015  All is good.  I live in orlando where are you.  I would never let anyone cut away at my prostate.  Ken

Frank,  Why are they recommending TURP?   If you are not in retention and can pee OK, even if it's slow, and if the only problem is getting up during the night, I would be reluctant to do it.  I am 77, had TURP done 6 months ago and am totally incontinent.  I'm still hoping it gets better, but it has diminished my quality of life by maybe 80%.  Every trip from the house requires planning.  An extra pad or pull-up diaper.  A plastic bag for disposal of the wet one.  Will there be a toilet with a stall to give me some privacty.  I am making 6 to 8 changes a day, and TURP was supposed to  let me sleep at night.  I still get up 2-3 times during the night, the diaper is wet, and if it's too wet, I wash up and change in the middle of the night.  And too often, I can't get back to sleep due the emotional upset about the way I'm having to live.

When the urologist did the evaluation, the urodynamics, ultrasound, etc. and gave me the pitch as to why I should have TURP (possible retention, kidney damage, permanent catheter) I acted to quickly to decide on having the procedure.  The worst decision of my life.

I know there are probably situations that give a clear justification for having TURP or some alternative procedure.  Just be careful.

Frank can you tell me why theey what to do a turp on you  what is the size of the prostate.  I was at my urologist and I ask him if he would do a turp on a man of 86???  Take you  Ken

Glenn  Sorry about the surgery.  What did your doctor say after that it is causing you so much problem...I will keep you in my prayers   Ken

Thanks Ken.  After the first TURP in March, he said that "maybe the Green Laser was too powerful" for me, or something to that effect.  I've only seen him briefly after the second TURP (Gyrus TURP), and he and his nurse haven't given me any reasons for it being this way.  Comments about OAB (over active bladder), urge incontinence, etc.  But, no clear reasons for this happening to me, and not to the other 99.5% of men who have TURP.  (The 99.5% is a number I found in a urological journal, and it said by two months after the procedure, 99.5% of men have little or no incontinence.

I hope you will improve but there are some men that have it done and it take over a year.  I wish that doctors would stop useing the turp  It is not a fix all.  Sometime it cause more problem   My urologist will only do a turp has a last resort.   Take care Buddy  Ken

i have urine retention,i'm 86 years old , i had a cystoscopy ,my prostae is 4 grams. They want to do a turp? i"m hoping i can have a uro-lift.Did you check into the uro-lift?

Hey Frank...  I had a uro-lift done over a year ago and it is great.  I'm going to send the information over to my urologist sometime they like to push them because they make money from the company.  I docotr is great his about 45 and he cares about his patients.  He has answers alot of question for me.  Where do you live Frank.  Do you have any other problem.  At your age I think it would be a risk because of the bleeeding.  I will not get a answer from him until monday.  Have a good weekend  Ken

Frank are you sure they said 4 grams.  A normal prostate is 20-25 grams   That seam very small..Please let me know  I sent a e-mail to my doctor  Ken

kenneth,,The cystocopy said i have enlarged prostate about 4cc long with obstructing lateral lobes,bladder normal,urethra normal.i hope i'm a good canidate for uro-lift? Do you know if i quailfy for uro-lift?

i live in Chicago ill

Glenn, i have urine retention,i;, on medication,have a caterter in for 3 months,it's getting to me. MEDICATION DOES NOT WORK.i wish i had an answer for your problem.

I will send him the other information..  I know you can go up to 160CC for a urolift.  I will not know anything till Monday..  I still bould not let them do a turp on me......Ken

There's a great deal of information on this site about Urolift. It would be a good idea to look it up here, and on the internet.

Neal

Hi Glenn, you poor man! My heart goes out to you. Our urologist is also trying to press us in to having TURP, not because its the best treatment option for my partner, but because its the only procedure that he is qualified to do! Thank you for your excellent advice, we are trying to be very careful, but they don't half put a lot of pressure on to have it done. Yes we have been 'counselled' about the risks involved in TURP, but they are not the ones who will have to live with it, like you are. In this day and age TURP should be banned worldwide, when they are far more successful and less barbaric treatments available. It should NOT be about whether you can afford to pay, but a right to up to date treatment, which minimalises the effects - both physical and emotional post treatment, on peoples lives. Glenn, thank you for being so open about your experience, I am SO sorry that you are having to live like this! I know that my message doesnt change anything for you, but I just wanted you to know that people care!

?Deb x

Deb what ever you do don't let them force your partner into having  the turp  it causes more problem.  Look into other treatments please.  I have writing many of the hospital not infavor of the turp or any prostate treatment that destorys it.  Like I say How can another man do that to another  man knowing what it will do to him.  And say with a straight face all will be the same.  Give me a brake.  Take care  If you need any information an anything let me know I have alot printed  Ken 

Thanks deb for your reply.  I read a urology paper that stated the extreme level of incontinence that I have at 2 months post TURP is only 0.5%.  So I'm a 0,5 percenter.   I think my doctor screwed up but is unwilling to tell me.  I'm ready to have the artificial sphincter surgery, and will look for a different doctor this time.

Glenn remember some doctor will down play a procedure and sugar coat it.  There good to say All will be the same.  Take care and I hpe you get more relief  Ken

Frank.  This is Ken.  I just got a reply for my urologist.  He said that he would not do a Turp on you because of your age.  He also said that a Urolift may be a good option.  He say that you should see Ken McVary he is one of the orginal authors of the urolift  He is at northwestern in Chicago.  I hope this helps  Ken  He said also said  that he would be happy to answers anymore questions you have  Ken

Hi Ken, Thanks so much for the info on Turp.I just spoke to my urologist,he definetly recomends Turp,he says this is the best procedure for enlarged prostate,ii don't believe that.  I am going to call the urologist at Northwestern Hospital.Ken Mc Vary.I did check  uroligists at Northwestern Hospital,about Uro-lift ,they said they did not do this procedure. I wll check  again.

thanks again,for the info. 

Hi Frank. DO NOT HAVE TURP! Tell your urologist to naff off! There are much better otions for enlarged prostate to consider PAE, urolift and HoLep all with much less risks and better results than TURP. He must be in the dark ages!

​Deb x

Oh Glenn you poor love. But no one should be a 0.5 percenter! Its just not acceptable for someone to have to cope with what you are coping with. I really hope that things improve for you! Doctors have a lot to answer for!

​Take care you!

​Deb x

Hi,Thanks for that info. What is PAE?

Prostate arterial embolism or something like that. Okay I am no doctor but the procesure - from what we have looked at - it is done by a radiologyst who finds the 2 arteries that supply the prostate. They block them off - using various means which reduces the blood supply to the prostate and without a blood supply it shrinks. At least thats our understanding. Its quite a new procedure that was pioneered in Portugal and Brazil and there has been a trial in the uk in Southhampton, which got very good results. There are many information sites about PAE and a lot on youtube, showing you what exactly they do. My partner has BHP and we were only offered TURP as it s the only treatment that urologists in Wigan are qualified to do. Research it, as it has great results for many, and not so good for a minority, but without all the risks associated with TURP.

Take Care you!

​Deb x

The holep is just has bad.  It burns the prostate away still causes more problems Ken

Hi Ken, I called Northwestern Hospital,Dr Ken Mc Vary has retired.

Thanks for all the info on Turp. Did you do general anesthesia when you did Uro Lift?

Hi Deb,

I just noticed something in your recent post to Frank. Now, I'm admittedly a yankee, and don't know anything about your medical system, but you shouldn't ask a urologist about a PAE. They no nothing about it. You might as well be asking them about nuclear science. The PAE is done by an interventional radiologist. Somehow, your partner needs to be evaluated by one of those who does this in your area. At least they will know what you are talking about.

Keep up the good work. You add a lot to this blog,

Neal

S/B "know nothing about it".

Sorry,

Neal

Hi Neal. You might not beleive me but PAE is like something from outer space in this Country! We live at one end and there is one place on the south coast that is just starting to offer PAE to private patients. Don't get me wrong I would willingly travel to Mars, if it helped my partner to get the best outcome for his prostate! I do agree with what you are saying, but as God is my whitness trying to get information is almost impossible. We were refused a prostate scan on the NHS because we would not agree to a prostate biopsy. So then, we went private for a 3T MRI scan, BUT we had to be referred for the MRI by our General practitioner. We were told that we could not have a copy of the MRI  radiologists report as it would be sent to our GP. Our GP then informed us that we could not have a copy, as it was being sent to our 'private' consultant, so we would have to wait and see what he reported. We sought the advice of a 'private' consultant because in our area they only offer TURP - not much choice there then! Neal I have found this whole process so unacceptable and drawn out, just a game of power on the part of the medical profession. So here we are 3 months down the line, partner CIC for 2 months, prostatitus 'suspected' by urologist - thats as far as he is willing to comit on paper, PSA level gone from 6 to 17 in last 3 months, and strill we are struggling to get answers! I have tried to pursuade my partner to go to Portugal to Dr Martin Pisco, but he is 65 and a bit (well a lot) scared of having a procedure done in a Country that is not our own. I am not of that opinion at all! I say lets pack our bags and go! But, at the end of the day it his health issue so I need to support him - but just keep throwing my ten pennyworth in as often as I can. Neal I totally agree with you! And through this whole fiasco, I am just hoping that my partner - well husband of 35 years begins to see things in a more 'adventouous' light - well the 21 st Centuary to be precise! I keep drip feeding him snippets of 'modern procedures' and he is now looking forward to a urolift - but dont know if he is suitable due to median lobe issue, and will only know this tomorrow when we see the consultant who has the all knowing MRI scan results! He is now also considering PAE - but in England - coz we are world leaders - right! But I do keep suggesting that a week in the sun in Portugal might be a better option - and with all the rain that we get here I feel confident that he will come round to my way of thinking. So to be honest Neal, I am feeling quite nervous and anxious about tomorrow. I will let you know how we get on, but I just get so angry that so many men just trust their urologists - well at least they do in this Country and go like lambs to the slaughter for biopsies and TURP!

?Neal thank you for replying to me, it is much appreciated!

?Deb x 

Yes I was out the hole time  Sorry about that  Will tell my urologist Take care  Ken

Deb,

I think you need to see Portugal.  If Dr. Pisco is a recommended doctor, I think you will be fine.  And see a beautiful country while you're at it!

Hi Ken, What does your urologist think of the Rezum verses Uro Lift procedure<

thanks,

Hi Ken,Would you ask your urologist if he thinks Uro Lift would help the urine rentention i have?

Thanks,Ken,

He has sent other paitent for a Rezum  it works sometime.  He is the type that he will try anything that the patient what  It may help you like the urolift and it would be less of a trama on your body  Take care  Ken

Yes he told me in the email that it would be good for you.  I had the same problem  My prostate was pushed together and I had trople peeing.  He did the urolift on be over a year ago.  He put in 4 implate to open me up  I have been fine no trouble going at all.  Frank don't let your doctor do a turp on you.  You need to be safe and the trama to your body would be to bad.  Your doctor should know that  Ken  

Hi. I absolutely don't agree that HoLep is as bad as Turp, but it must be carried out by an experienced surgeon as it requires great skill and can take 1-2 hours. The interior three segments are laser'd away and macerated out. When done properly, the only side effect should be RE with a few rare exceptions including stricture. My HoLep has been 100% successful and my excellent urologist who does TURP referred me to another excellent urologist who does HoLep as he said it was the best treatment for a very enlarged prostate.

Hi Neal, its Deb. I don't know what you wrote in your post to me, but someone somewhere didn';t like it! Oh well, sorry for all that typing that you did! But I really did appreciate the time that you took to make your response - even though I never got it! Well Neal, latest update..... Partner's baldder is fine. Urodynamic tests today revealed that all is well with the bladder - still kicking and screaming - but just can't let it out due to blockage in prostate, so that was one relief (excuse the pun) at least. We saw the consultant urologist this evening who had the report of the T3 MRI scan in his hand.! Actually he was quite nice and very approachable and even gace us a copy of the report, which was to say the least very non comittal. He or the report confirmed that partners prostate volume was 85, which was according to him very large. In fact large enough to exclude us from the urolift that he performs at the local hospital. No discussion, no negotiation, just a point blank no can do. We asked him about PAE and that drew a blank, as Glenn said that it would. But he did say that the results of the MRI scan were inconclusive in that they showed 'abnormalities' but these could or could not be cancer, note the mention of the dreaded C word again! He said that the only way to confirm prostate C or not was biopsy/s virtually all around the clock. In all fairness he did give us time to think, and was happy for us to go away and let him know what we decide in 5 weeks time. He said that he thought HoLEP would be the best way forward, so that is at least better than TURP. He was a really nice man! I know that one has to be wary of urologists per sae, but he was not pushy in the slightest, but knew nothing about PAE. My partner got very un nerved by the introduction of the word cancer, and is now seeing this as an urgent issue to be 'got rid of' ASAP. It's easy for me to say, hey lets take our time and look at PAE now that urolift is not an option, but thats easy for me to say, when I have not just been told that this might be growing inside me. Someone on this site once reminded me that most men die with prostate cancer, not from it! I can't remember who it was, but its such good advice but so hard to remember for a man (my partner) who still thinks that the medical profession have all the answers! Over this next few days and weeks I am going to try to pursuade him to look at PAE as a realistice option prior to prostate oblitoration HoLep or TURP - from which there is no return! What have we got to lose ? Compare this with what we have to gain - i.e. no horrible side effects or risks and its a no brainer. My poor love is exausted by it all! We are very different, he tends to be a confromist and I tend to be a non -conformist, and its very difficult to change your make up when you are in your 50's and 60's. I do hope that I can pursuade him to go for the PAE, either in this Country, or in Portugal, where they pioneered the procedure, I think that its worth a try, before the more invasive options.

Once again Neal, I am so sorry that the moderator deleted your reply to me, I would have loved to read it, but I know that it was sent with the best possible intention and for that I am grateful to you!

Take care you!

?Deb x

Hi Glenn, latest update..... Partner's baldder is fine. Urodynamic tests today revealed that all is well with the bladder - still kicking and screaming - but just can't let it out due to blockage in prostate, so that was one relief (excuse the pun) at least. We saw the consultant urologist this evening who had the report of the T3 MRI scan in his hand.! Actually he was quite nice and very approachable and even gace us a copy of the report, which was to say the least very non comittal. He or the report confirmed that partners prostate volume was 85, which was according to him very large. In fact large enough to exclude us from the urolift that he performs at the local hospital. No discussion, no negotiation, just a point blank no can do. We asked him about PAE and that drew a blank, as Glenn said that it would. But he did say that the results of the MRI scan were inconclusive in that they showed 'abnormalities' but these could or could not be cancer, note the mention of the dreaded C word again! He said that the only way to confirm prostate C or not was biopsy/s virtually all around the clock. In all fairness he did give us time to think, and was happy for us to go away and let him know what we decide in 5 weeks time. He said that he thought HoLEP would be the best way forward, so that is at least better than TURP. He was a really nice man! I know that one has to be wary of urologists per sae, but he was not pushy in the slightest, but knew nothing about PAE. My partner got very un nerved by the introduction of the word cancer, and is now seeing this as an urgent issue to be 'got rid of' ASAP. It's easy for me to say, hey lets take our time and look at PAE now that urolift is not an option, but thats easy for me to say, when I have not just been told that this might be growing inside me. Someone on this site once reminded me that most men die with prostate cancer, not from it! I can't remember who it was, but its such good advice but so hard to remember for a man (my partner) who still thinks that the medical profession have all the answers! Over this next few days and weeks I am going to try to pursuade him to look at PAE as a realistice option prior to prostate oblitoration HoLep or TURP - from which there is no return! What have we got to lose ? Compare this with what we have to gain - i.e. no horrible side effects or risks and its a no brainer. My poor love is exausted by it all! We are very different, he tends to be a confromist and I tend to be a non -conformist, and its very difficult to change your make up when you are in your 50's and 60's. I do hope that I can pursuade him to go for the PAE, either in this Country, or in Portugal, where they pioneered the procedure, I think that its worth a try, before the more invasive options.

Take Care Glenn!

?Deb x

Yes it is better then a Turp.  I have a friend that had a Holep done Had a catheter for 6 months.  It worked great for him  But not a fan of any procedure that will give you retro.  I may be 61 but I'm not giving up anything just to pee a little better  Have a good day  Ken

Hi Deb,

Well, I'll try again, and if it doesn't work, I'll have to consider dropping out of the blog all together. I don't have time to do all of this typing just to have it childishly moderated away.

Well, it's good news that you at least got to see the report.

I am no fan of biopsies, particularly done blindly. At this point, it should be possible for ONE OR TWO biopsies to be done using the MRI to guide them only to the suspicious spots. That minimizes the risk of infection while maximizing the information. If you can't get them to do only that, then you may have to go outside and pay for it. The MRI is the expensive bit, and it's done, if the doctor doing the biopsies can get access to it. That should satisfy your partner about cancer. Then once that's sorted, you can pursue Dr. Pisco for the BPH.

The PAE is the best next step with the least potential for side effects, and it doesn't rule out any of the other possible treatments later if it doesn't work out. The recovery from a PAE is about 10 % that of a Holep, to say nothing of the pain others on here have reported during the Holep -- vs almost no pain for the PAE, less than a trip to the dentist for a filling, with anesthesia.

So, I hope this is helpful, and let me know if I can help further, and what you decide.

Neal