Recovery after HoLEP in Italy is notably rapid, with most patients returning to light activities within 7 to 14 days. You can typically travel home 24 to 48 hours after discharge for short distances, while long-haul flights require waiting 4 to 6 weeks.
- Hospital stay: Expect discharge within 24 hours after your surgeon removes the urinary catheter.
- Activity limits: Avoid lifting over 20 pounds or strenuous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Professional return: Most patients return to desk-based work within 7 to 10 days post-surgery.
- Air travel: Short flights are often safe after 10 days with specific surgeon approval.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While recovery is fast, choosing high-volume centers like San Donato Hospital or Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy in Italy provides access to surgeons like Dr. Francesco Montorsi, who has performed 8,000+ procedures. Experienced surgeons often achieve better outcomes in nerve-sparing techniques, which significantly speeds up the return to normal urinary function and reduces long-term urgency.
Patient Consensus: Patients often mention that managing the catheter for the first 24 hours is the main hurdle. Most feel a significant sense of relief once the catheter is removed and they can void naturally again.