urinary retention

[mavin]

I had Indigo Laser Surgery, after a BPH diagnosis, where my urologist "cut" tissue from prostate that was impinging on the bladder neck, in October 2006. I had been on, and still am, Uroxatral and Flomax. My symptoms appear to be worse now: Partial urinary retention lasting almost all day and nocturia. No dysuria and no hematuria. My question is, how effective is Indigo Laser Surgery and would I now be a candidate for the more invasive Greenlight Laser procedure? My urologist swears there is no longer a prostate issue--but he hasn't done a follow up cystoscopy--but I disagree. He thinks it's residual bladder irritation from the surgery, which should dissappear in time. Meanwhile, the symptoms are extremely uncomfortable. I keep going to his office for ultrasound and UTI tests but the resultsare always negative.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not a urologist, so I cannot comment on the Indigo laser surgery or the Greenlight procedure.  

It is possible that the retention may be a complication from the surgery.  However, you may also want to exclude infection - with a urinalysis or urine culture.  

Metabolic causes like diabetes or thyroid dysfunction should also be evaluated for.

A second urological opinion can be considered, preferably at a major academic medical center.  I agree that a cystoscopy can be considered to exclude anatomical causes that may lead to the symptoms.

If the symptoms continue despite negative testing, you may want to consider a referral to a neurologist to exclude any nerve damage.  

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.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_