Recovery After HoLEP Surgery: What to Expect
- Medtour Monterrey
- Jul 9, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 2, 2024
Introduction
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Understanding the recovery process after HoLEP surgery is crucial for patients to manage their expectations and ensure a smooth recovery. This blog post provides detailed guidelines and tips for post-HoLEP surgery recovery.
Immediate Post-Surgery Expectations
Hospital Stay and Initial Recovery:
Hospital Stay: Most patients can go home the same day or after an overnight stay, depending on their condition​ (Home)​​ (Top Doctors)​.
Catheter Use: A urinary catheter is typically inserted during surgery and is usually removed the next day. If there are complications like excessive bleeding, the catheter may stay longer​ (Cleveland Clinic)​.
Post-Surgery Symptoms:
Pain and Discomfort: Patients may experience pain and a burning sensation during urination for the first few weeks. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage this discomfort​ (Keystone Urology Specialists)​.
Blood in Urine: It is normal to see blood in the urine for up to three months post-surgery. Staying well-hydrated helps flush out the blood and speeds up recovery​ (Keystone Urology Specialists)​​ (Cleveland Clinic)​.
Weeks Following Surgery
Activity Restrictions:
Avoid Strenuous Activities: Heavy lifting (more than 10 lbs) and strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least a few weeks to prevent complications and aid recovery​ (Keystone Urology Specialists)​.
Gradual Resumption of Activities: Patients can gradually return to their normal activities based on their comfort level and as advised by their healthcare provider​ (Top Doctors)​.
Urinary Symptoms:
Frequency and Urgency: Increased frequency and urgency of urination may persist for several weeks as the bladder adjusts to the removal of prostate tissue. These symptoms should gradually improve​ (Cleveland Clinic)​.
Incontinence: Temporary urinary incontinence is common as the sphincter muscles regain strength. Performing Kegel exercises can help improve bladder control and reduce leakage​ (Cleveland Clinic)​.
Long-Term Recovery and Follow-Up
Monitoring and Follow-Up Appointments:
Post-Operative Check-Ups: Patients should have follow-up appointments scheduled about two weeks after surgery to monitor recovery and address any issues​ (Keystone Urology Specialists)​.
Ongoing Monitoring: Additional tests, such as urinary flow rate and bladder scans, may be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the surgery and detect any complications​ (Cleveland Clinic)​.
Lifestyle Adjustments:
Diet and Hydration: Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can support overall recovery and improve urinary function.
Exercise: Regular, light physical activity like walking can aid in recovery but should be resumed gradually as advised by the healthcare provider​ (Keystone Urology Specialists)​.
Potential Complications and When to Seek Help
Recognizing Complications:
Signs to Watch For: Report any high fever (over 101°F), persistent severe pain, inability to urinate, or thick, dark blood in the urine to your healthcare provider immediately​ (Keystone Urology Specialists)​.
Long-Term Side Effects:
Retrograde Ejaculation: This condition, where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during ejaculation, is common but generally does not affect sexual function​ (Cleveland Clinic)​.
Conclusion
Recovering from HoLEP surgery involves managing immediate post-surgery symptoms, following activity restrictions, and attending follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery. By understanding what to expect and taking proactive steps, patients can improve their recovery experience and return to normal activities more quickly. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider and report any concerns promptly.