Recovery after HoLEP can differ for each patient. Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about any concerns related to your medical history.
Some patients are able to get their catheter removed and go home on the same day as surgery, while other patients with medical issues may stay in the hospital overnight after HoLEP.
The first few days after your HoLEP procedure, you may feel some burning with urination. This is related to urine passing over the area of the procedure. It does not necessarily indicate a urinary tract infection. This discomfort or mild pain is normal. It should be manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
While your prostate heals, it is also normal to see some blood in your urine. This may come and go for up to eight weeks after HoLEP if you are on blood thinners, but it is usually much shorter. You may also see some clots in your urine, which should pass easily. If the clots increase in volume or grow larger than the size of a dime, call your doctor.
Your urinary urgency, frequency and leakage symptoms may not improve immediately. In a few cases, they may temporarily worsen. But your bladder will re-equilibrate after the first weeks to months, and your symptoms should improve. If your symptoms do not improve, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe medication that can reduce bladder spasticity.