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Huge prostate (250) with urinary stop/start issues
I am 86 years old with the above voiding issues worsening due to age and huge size. I need suggestions from patients who have undergone procedures to alleviate problem. I have seen a urologist who suggests laser surgery (HOLEP)
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I just saw my urologist last week. He suggested to continue with taking flomax and finasteride. However, he further suggested that should start/stop symptoms worsen to consider PAE which is a less invasive office procedure, or if it doesn't work at prostate reduction, then return for HoLEP laser surgery which can be done safely after unsuccessful PAE.
I would appreciate any thoughts from the support group.
Gratefully,
ellenbep1
I'm the acronym buster. Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate.
@ellenbep1, you might wish to review this related discussion:
- Prostate Artery Embolization for BPH. Anyone have it done?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pae-is-a-procedure-for-bph-anyone-have-it-done/
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Hug
1 ReactionWell, I've 75 years old and mine just went over 200 cc. Despite that size, my urinary symptoms are manageable. Had one urologist recommend HOLEP (that's his specialty). When I declined he said I was risking kidney problems. I said prove it. My PVR was like 10 ml. An ultrasound didn't show any backflow of urine anywhere. Even the "non-invasive" procedures have their side effects. The irony is that the side effects are just the things that they're trying to "cure". Like urinary retention (which I don't have now). Or, incontinence (which I don't have now). Or, urgency (which I don't have now). All of these are considered to occur only "rarely". The medical professionals definition of "rare" is 1/100. To me, that's not rare.
Don't get me wrong, if I think a surgical intervention meets my risk/benefit requirements, I'll do it. I've had a couple of surgeries for skin cancer. Get it done or die. Yup, I'm onboard. However, prophalactic surgery is another matter. Is BPH going to kill me before something else does? After all, I am 75 years old. I'll just keep track of my symptoms and get a kidney ultrasound every 6 months. Old age may not be a curable condition but it's certainly not a disease. And, if something's not going to kill me, just let nature take it's course.
Good decision. Keep it up. I am doing likewise. I am 87 and if surgery is absolutely necessary, I after doing my homework choose to go with PAE, a less invasive procedure which starves the blood supply thereby reducing the growth of the prostate. You might want to check it out. Good luck going forward.
Best regards, ellenbep