Polycythemia vera and prostate reduction procedures

[sbs_patient]

I'd like to hear from men diagnosed with polycythemia vera and BPH who have had or who are considering a prostate reduction procedure. Some of these surgical procedures involve considerable bleeding and clotting, and I'm concerned that the high platelet counts resulting from my PV may increase the risk of thrombosis after such a procedure.

[hunter5582]

You are wise to ask this question. Post-Green-Laser PVP/TURP I experienced considerable bleeding that was so severe that it caused significant reactive thrombocytosis. The issue for me was more that when my platelets got higher I was more prone to hemorrhage, which of course just meant more bleeding.

What I thought would be a minor procedure was anything but. My mistake was in believing the procedure would be done as advertised. The urologist who did the procedure was quite aggressive in how he performed the procedure and did not inform me that he may be that aggressive in performing the procedure. In thinking this would be more minor, I did not insist on consultation with my hematologist. The surgeon knew that I had a MPN but did not consult with my hematologist and did not factor the MPN into how he performed the procedure.

This was an extremely important lesson in how to manage care. Never do any procedure without insisting on input from your MPN Specialist. Insist that the providers consult about your case and how the MPN may be involved. Talk directly to each provider about that they recommend yourself and ensure that the messages have been relayed.

There are procedures that involve much less bleeding. Rezum, TUNA, and Urolift are several examples. Hopefully you will find a suitable procedure that meets your goals for treating the BPH and factors in your needs as a MPN patient.

[sbs_patient in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks for your comments and suggestions. It seems clear that those of us with PV and BPH need to be very careful before proceeding with surgery.

[Uzza]

Yes, I have. Although I have ET, we face similar issues. My medicos have suggested laser surgery is preferable, as it staunches bleeding.

Cheers

[Palace53]

I had a prostate artery embolization done,( small plastic balls) one small cut in the grion no real bleeding had this done at guys for me it was the best way to go, have a look at that

[redumbrella]

I was very interested to read your post. I have an enlarged Prostate and am currently awaiting an appointment with a Consultant regarding same. I also have P.V. Your post and Hunters reply has given me much food for thought, I have an appointment with my MPN Specialist next month and will ask her advice.

I will keep you posted when and if I decide to proceed with any procedure.

Keep well

Garry

[Bmj63 in reply to redumbrella]

Hi i have et had prostate artery embolism before mpn diagnoses 3 years ago.currently waiting for rezum as refused to have turp due to the possibily of bleeding problems. Had a tooth removed and bled for 24 hrs had to go to AE for stiches

[sbs_patient in reply to Bmj63]

Thanks for this report. It strenghtens my resolve to avoid TURP and PVP as treatments for BPH.