Does the Turps procedure do anything to reduce the frequent need to urinate?

Put another way, does it have any effect on bladder capacity?

A different procedure - PAE - would appear to potentially increase capacity. True or false?

I don’t see how either procedure increases actual capacity. Reducing the size of the prostate just relieves the phantom urge to go when the bladder is partially filled.

I have had the PAE procedure, and when that did not work, I had Aquablation (in lieu of TURP)

I had PAE done first, which, although invasive, does not involve any removal of material from the body and therefore is less risky than other procedures such as TURP. PAE does not have an immediate effect, it happens over time. Basically, a radiologist injects tiny beads into the two arteries that feed the prostate, which restricts the blood flow. This, in theory, causes the prostate to stop growing and shrink.

Three weeks after PAE (Prostatic Arterial Embolization) I began to notice a very slight relief of symptoms, specifically, it was easier to urinate, and the flow seemed to initiate better. But that was it - and the improvement did not last.

TURP has long been the gold standard for treatment of BPH, but it does have some risks. After studying BPH and Aqua blation, I decided to go for the Aquablation. It has now been exactly one year post Aquablation, and I am very satisfied, urinating is no longer an issue. Also, the abnormal urgency to urinate is gone.

In the case of Aquablation, the surgeon told me it removes/eliminates about 40% of the prostate, which effectively shrinks it. I suspect TURP does the same.

Obviously I am not a doctor, but I do not think either of these procedures affect the volume the bladder can hold. What these procedures do is shrink the prostate, which stops it from "bumping" into the bladder. It is the "bumping" into the bladder that causes the urgency to urinate.

Similar to a balloon. If you have an inflated balloon, and poke into its side without popping it, the altered shape of the balloon affects the shape, and the pressure in the bladder, which leads to the symptoms.

Although the PAE didn't work for me, I would still try it, because of its low risk relative to the other procedures - and perhaps it will work for you.

Also, do lots of research, as there are probably a dozen different procedures you could possibly have done, although you may not be a candidate for all of them. Most Urologists do not do all of the procedures - they specialize in one or two.

I had a HOLEP done.

It was one of the best procedures for me because of the enlarged size of my prostrate.

Fixed all the problems, everything works but you are not having kids after the procedure.

Not an issue at my age.

My urologist recommends the REZUM procedure if my symptoms get worse. She trained at Mayo Clinic, and they are using it a lot there. The procedure sounds awful, but side effects reportedly much less likely than with TURP.

Yes it does.

Had TURP surgery about 6 months ago. Can only speak for myself but no side effects, very quick recovery, and very good results. Best wishes for successful treatment whatever option you choose!

quote:

Originally posted by sjtill:
My urologist recommends the REZUM procedure if my symptoms get worse. She trained at Mayo Clinic, and they are using it a lot there. The procedure sounds awful, but side effects reportedly much less likely than with TURP.

Mrs.BurtonRW, RN, who worked a contract position at an outpatient urology clinic not too long ago, would agree that REZUM > TURP in pretty much every way. Her docs certainly thought so, as it was the procedure of choice for long term effect with minimal side-effects.

-Rob

I had PAE in November by Dr. Isaccson, who was partially responsible for getting this procedure approved by the FDA. He has done over 1600 of these. Two months afterward, if O take the Alfuzosin still, I am urinating like ten years ago. Still wake up three times a night but that’s better than the six I did for years . The first two weeks after PAE it felt like I was peeing razor blades . After that, no problems . I have been afraid of the TURP and HoLEP. Right now , at 73, every thing functions like ten years ago . Maybe in a couple or three years from now I’ll have to have the PAE again or go to HoLEP. I just didn’t want to risk incontinence or sexual side effects. If I were designing the body, I might reconsider the prostate although I’m sure it works right for the first fifty or sixty years. Parts wear out.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris42:
Does the Turps procedure do anything to reduce the frequent need to urinate?

Put another way, does it have any effect on bladder capacity?

Before my TURP I suffered from both painful urination and overactive bladder with urge incontinence. It was so bad that it was ruining my quality of life. After the operation the pain and overactive bladder symptoms were gone. A TURP doesn’t increase bladder capacity but it allows the bladder to fully empty, which can ease frequent urination symptoms. According to my urologist, the procedure doesn’t always alleviate over active bladder symptoms, but in my case the operation absolutely changed my life for the better. I should add that I suffered no side effects. For me, it was a win-win all around.