BPH Treatment > HoLEP
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
Overview
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a less intrusive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous condition that results in an enlarged prostate gland. BPH typically impacts urination and affects the tiny almond sized prostate gland. Therefore, with BPH, it may become harder to urinate, or you may have trouble emptying the bladder with a frequent urge to urinate.
HoLEP, a procedure that relies on pulses of laser energy to enucleate the prostate, is an effective method of permanently removing the obstructive prostate without external cuts. HoLEP is the most proven and trusted technique worldwide, allowing for all prostate sizes to be treated with excellent results. Due to the minimally invasive updated techniques, complications are minimal with patient satisfaction being the highest of all modalities.
What to Anticipate Before the Procedure
Prior to the HoLEP procedure, a comprehensive medical review and physical examination are done to ensure you are prepared for the procedure ahead. During the assessment, your doctor will discuss your symptoms and the impact of the condition on your life.
What to Expect with HoLEP
A slender, illuminated scope (resectoscope) with a camera connected to it is carefully placed through the urethra. A laser-fibre tool inserted through the scope emits controlled laser energy under direct vision to peal the prostate core from the outer border, which is very similar to spooning the inside of an avocado from its peel. After using the laser to hollow and separate the prostate tissue, the surgeon meticulously and with great care removes the enucleated prostate tissue using the resectoscope and morcellator. The surgery is much more in-depth, requiring finesse and careful attention to detail. You are then taken to the recovery unit, where your active participation in the healing process is crucial, empowering you to take charge of your recovery.
Benefits of HoLEP
- Reduced bleeding (safe with blood thinners)
- Shorter hospital stay (often day case)
- Minimally invasive (no external cuts)
- Best possible flow of urine (back to a teenager!)
- Permanent solution (Re-treatment rates <1%)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate take?
This depends on the size of the prostate. Average procedure is less than an hour.
2. Are there any adverse effects from HoLEP?
For the first 24/48hrs - spots of blood in urine and mild burning. Mild leakage of urine is a rare occurrence (10%) and settles at 3 months.
3. Is HoLEP safe?
It’s a very effective procedure for those who experience troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms. As with any medical procedure, there are side effects such as:
- Urethral burning or bleeding, which is a temporary disorder (24/48hrs)
- Increase in urine frequency and urgency (25% - settles at 3 months)
- Urine incontinence (10% - settles at 3 months)
- Erectile Dysfunction (5%)
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