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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the benefits of the newer minimally invasive surgical treatments for BPH transurethral plasma vaporization and resection of the prostate (TURiP) and greenlight photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) compared with the traditional TURP?
The benefits include less risk of bleeding, as well as virtually negligible risk of developing mineral abnormalities in the blood after surgery as sometimes can be seen with traditional TURP (TUR syndrome). Although a foley catheter is required to drain the bladder immediately after the procedure in these cases, it is usually only required overnight with TURip and PVP, whereas with TURP the catheter time is usually two nights.
What are the risks involved with the newer minimally invasive surgical treatments for BPH transurethral plasma vaporization and resection of the prostate (TURiP) and greenlight photovaporization of the prostate (PVP)?
The risks of infection, scarring, and irritative urinary symptoms are present but small with all types of transurethral procedures. The risk of bleeding is much less but still present with the newer approaches as well. All of these procedures carry a risk of retrograde ejaculation (the ejaculate, instead of coming out of the penis during orgasm, flows into the bladder). This side effect carries no risk of physical danger to the patient, and occurs quite commonly due to the nature of the procedure. There is a very small risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction with all surgical procedures for BPH, but these side effects are rarely encountered.
When can I expect to see results of my surgical treatment for BPH?
The result of treatment is often seen immediately upon catheter removal, and urinary flow typically continues to improve over the first few months postoperatively. A minority of patients who have required a urinary catheter for a period of time before the surgery due to complete obstruction may require a period of bladder retraining after the procedure prior to seeing the full benefits of treatment.
What is the average hospital stay for TURip and PVP?
The typical hospital stay is 1-2 days.
How long until I can return to my normal activities?
Typically our patients are walking the same day, and back to normal activities of daily living within a week. We ask our patients to refrain from working out and from other strenuous activity 4 weeks in order to allow optimal healing.
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