Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Urology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Why the strong urgency to urinate 6 weeks after laser prostate surgery ?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.

Why the strong urgency to urinate 6 weeks after laser prostate surgery ?

by Tomas, Jun 28, 2003 12:00AM

  6 weeks ago, I had laser surgery (HOLAP) using a Holmium 100W laser to vaporize the enlarged area due to BPH. I had considerable improvement the 1st 3 weeks (good stream and need to void every 1.5 - 3 hours). It was necessary to self catherize for the first 4 days until I could void without the catherer. However, the last 3 weeks I've experienced a strong urge to void (even after voiding) almost 24 hours each day. Volume is beween 50 - 125 CC). No bleeding after the 2nd week.

I've tried Detrol LA(4 mg) and PYridium Plus
to decrease the urge, but have received only temporary relief.
The drugs also bring back some of the symtoms associated with
BPH (small and interupted stream, hard to start the flow). Surgeon has taken a wait and see approach but indicated a possible "Niagra" surgery to alleviate my problems.

In the past, I have had mild cases of prostatitis (off and on  for 30 years - now age 61). The last 5 years have been
free from prostatitis.

I would appreciate your thoughts as to why the urgency is
still present.

by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 30, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Without examining you, it is impossible to say what it is.

There are many reasons for urinary frequency.  Examples include the following:
Urinary tract infection
Prostatitis
Enlarged prostate
Radiation therapy
Diabetes
Bladder dysfunction
Bladder cancer
Interstitial cystitis
Medications

Given your history of prostatitis, I would have your urine evaluated for infection.  Secretions should be cultured after prostatic massage.  Rectal exam or imaging should be considered to make sure that there are no further manifestations of BPH or presence of cancer.  

To evaluate for any bladder mass or anatomical dysfunction, you may also want to consider a cystoscopy.  

These tests should be discussed in conjunction with your urologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
When Your Cold Is Not A Cold
15 hrs ago by Steven Y Park, MD
Cataract, Removal, Artificial Lens,...
Dec 08 by Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.
7 Ways to Reduce Stress During the ...
Dec 07 by Steven Y Park, MD