HoLEP

TREATMENT

Men who have enlarged prostates due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may develop lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which have a significant effect on their quality of life. Lifestyle changes and medical therapies may help, but in many cases a surgical solution may be required.

A Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a modern procedure done with a laser to remove the part of the prostate that is obstructing the flow of urine. It does not remove the whole prostate gland – this is only done in cases of prostate cancer, and can cause more significant side effects. The tissue removed during the operation is removed at the end and will be analysed by our pathologists to make sure there is no cancer.

It is usual to put a catheter into the bladder after this procedure, which is typically removed 24-48 hours later.

There are a number of benefits of HoLEP compared to other surgical treatments of LUTS, such as a TURP. These include:

• Able to treat prostates of all sizes. Most other treatments are less effective or unable to treat large prostate glands.
• Less bleeding during the operation, reduced need for blood transfusion
• Shorter stay in hospital
• Catheter left in for shorter period of time
• More tissue is removed resulting in a more durable treatment, reducing the risk of needing surgery repeating in the future.