The procedure can be performed under a standard general anaesthetic or indeed using topical local anaesthesia alone. However, as we have gained greater experience, intravenous sedation has become the approach which seems to work the best , allowing accurate placement of the implants and a rapid recovery for the patient.
We have now moved to the point of trying to avoid the post operative passing of a urinary urethral catheter ie a tube to drain urine after the operation – although whether it is because of a little more than acceptable levels of bleeding or just bad luck, about 20% will need a catheter. This is usually left overnight before removal.
Although by no means everybody’s experience, most people describe not only a very rapid recovery from this procedure, back to all normal activities in 1 to 2 weeks or sooner, but also, about 70% describe substantial improvements in urinary symptoms within 3 weeks.