Prostate Surgery Readiness

Bladder stones caused by an enlarged prostate—known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—can be a serious issue, especially if you're experiencing frequent urinary symptoms, infections, or kidney strain. At age 72, you're not alone: over 80% of men in their 70s deal with BPH. Whether surgery is the right move depends on several factors:

🧠 What to Consider Before Surgery

  • Severity of Symptoms: If you're dealing with weak urine flow, frequent nighttime urination, or incomplete bladder emptying, and especially if bladder stones have formed, that’s a sign the condition is progressing.

  • Impact on Quality of Life: Sleep disruption, discomfort, or recurrent infections can take a toll. If medications or lifestyle changes haven’t helped, surgery may offer relief.

  • Overall Health: Your general health and ability to tolerate anesthesia or recovery are key. Many procedures today are minimally invasive and outpatient-friendly.

  • Type of Surgery:

    • Traditional TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): Effective but may have longer recovery.

    • Minimally Invasive Options: Procedures like UroLift or Aquablation are gaining popularity. UroLift uses tiny implants to lift the prostate away from the urethra—no cutting, and it preserves sexual function.

    • HoLEP: stands for Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate—a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

✅ Alternatives to Surgery

  • Medications: Alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can reduce symptoms and slow prostate growth.

  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and evening fluid intake can help with nighttime symptoms.

  • Monitoring: If symptoms are mild, some men opt for watchful waiting with regular checkups.

🧾 Prostate Surgery Readiness Checklist (Post-Pancreatic Recovery)

🩺 1. General Health & Surgical Resilience

  • [ ] Has my weight, energy level, and nutritional status stabilized since pancreatic surgery?

  • [ ] Are my blood sugar levels (if affected) under control?

  • [ ] Have I had any infections, digestive issues, or complications in the past 6 months?

🫁 2. Cardiopulmonary Fitness

  • [ ] Have I had a recent EKG or cardiac clearance for anesthesia?

  • [ ] Can I tolerate light sedation or general anesthesia safely?

  • [ ] Do I have any breathing issues or oxygen needs?

🧪 3. Lab Tests & Imaging

  • [ ] Recent kidney function tests (creatinine, BUN) are normal?

  • [ ] Bladder ultrasound shows significant residual urine or wall thickening?

  • [ ] CT or X-ray confirms bladder stones or obstruction?

💊 4. Medication & Treatment History

  • [ ] Have I tried medications like Tamsulosin or Finasteride, and how effective were they?

  • [ ] Am I currently on any blood thinners or medications that affect healing?

  • [ ] Have I had any adverse reactions to anesthesia or sedation in the past?

🧠 5. Procedure Selection & Goals

  • [ ] What is the size and shape of my prostate (e.g., is UroLift or Rezūm viable)?

  • [ ] Do I want to preserve sexual function (e.g., avoid retrograde ejaculation)?

  • [ ] Am I looking for the least invasive option with fastest recovery?

🧘‍♂️ 6. Lifestyle & Recovery Planning

  • [ ] Can I take time off from work or caregiving duties for recovery?

  • [ ] Do I have support at home for the first few days post-procedure?

  • [ ] Am I prepared for temporary catheter use or mild discomfort?