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Is HoLep recovery worth the procedure?

Men's Health | Last Active: 3 hours ago | Replies (84)

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Profile picture for hhibird @hhibird

Not worth it for me. I’m a fit 72 and had HOLEP June 2025. I still have persistent leakage 8 months later. Significantly worse quality of life than pre op. After 20 years of planning life around restrooms I decided to plunge ahead with Holep. Went to large practice in Madison Wi and signed on with the first surgeon available. Did not do due diligence but was reassured by the initial interview. I knowingly accepted the remote risks of persistent incontinence.

I was not given a lot of info pre op about Kegels etc. Post op healing after first week seemed normal. Unfortunately I experienced significant leakage from the get go. Discussions with office were either dismissive (takes time…you were told about risk, etc). Did my own research on Kegels etc and was all in for months. Gradual improvement but plateaued at a frustrating level of wearing pads and depends constantly.

Finally referred to pelvic floor PT after 5 or so months. Supportive but nothing new. Actually suggested I cut back on my 6x10x10 daily exercises.

So I’m stuck with an outcome I find entirely unsuccessful. I have better urinary performance than before but the constant dampness with pads etc. is miserable. Limited ability to return to active fit lifestyle. Wouldn’t dream of going near my wife for intimacy since I feel so gross.

Life is miserable and I’m angry with my practice’s dismissive attitude. They seem to feel I was a successful outcome. Only suggestion is to wait until a year is up and then consult for Artificial sphincter. I’m obviously reluctant to let this practice touch me again even if I pursue this.

Any suggestions guys?

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Replies to "Not worth it for me. I’m a fit 72 and had HOLEP June 2025. I still..."

@hhibird So very sorry about your outcome. Get another opinion from the best in your area. Get an appointment with Amy E. Krambeck, MD at Northwestern to see what you can do. Don't give up!
https://breakthroughsforphysicians.nm.org/holep-semi-live-surgery-performed-by-amy-e-krambeck-md-case-2.html

@hhibird I am sorry to hear about your experience. It should not be like that at all. It makes me want to steer clear of HoLEP.
Last night I was watching videos about kegels and learning to do them properly. One of the videos had a doctor interviewing a physical therapist. If I understand correctly, the physical therapist said that you can do kegels too much and not get the results you want. He also recommended stretching the pelvic floor muscles to get them to relax. I take the information on YouTube with a grain of salt and compare with other sources, too. If you want I could look through my video history to find the video.