HoLEP – Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a newer, minimally invasive procedure where the holmium laser is used to effectively remove obstructive prostate tissue from men suffering from the symptoms of BPH – a condition where the prostate gland becomes enlarged, causing urinary problems.
The Holmium laser is a specialized laser that urologists have used for some time to treat kidney stones, but it is also especially effective in treating the prostate. The laser emits a particular wavelength of light that is highly absorbed by water and soft tissue, making it particularly useful technology for removing and vaporizing tissue inside the prostate. The procedure itself is minimally invasive and able to be done without an incision, entirely through the urethra.
The HoLEP procedure is unique and offers many benefits for the patient:
Holmium laser surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgical techniques, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, improved precision and more long-lasting results.
- Effective Reduction of Prostate Tissue: HoLEP efficiently removes excess prostate tissue that causes urinary symptoms associated with BPH and can alleviate symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, weak urine flow, and incomplete bladder emptying.
- Minimal Blood Loss: Compared to traditional surgical methods like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), HoLEP typically results in significantly less blood loss, which makes it a safer procedure and is a great option for those patients who are on blood thinners.
- Effective for Large Prostate Glands: The HoLEP procedure is particularly effective for treating patients with very large prostates, which might pose challenges for other surgical procedures. It can effectively remove significant amounts of prostate tissue regardless of the gland’s size. Many times patients with large prostates are able to have the HoLEP procedure in place of a prostatectomy.
- Improved Urinary Symptoms: Patients undergoing HoLEP typically experience significant improvement in urinary symptoms and urinary flow rate. This improvement in urinary function can lead to a better quality of life and reduced reliance on medications to manage BPH symptoms.
- Many patients can go home within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, and in some cases the same day as the procedure – leading to faster recovery times and lower healthcare costs.
- Often the catheter can be removed within 24-48 hours after the procedure, which is much sooner than for most other procedures in prostates of similar size.
- Longer Lasting Effects: For many individuals who undergo treatment for BPH, the prostate can re-grow and many need to be treated again in 10-15 years. With the HoLEP procedure, that is not often the case with re-treatment rates of only 1 – 5%. Studies have shown that the benefits of HoLEP last over the long term, with sustained improvements in urinary symptoms and urinary flow rates for many years following the procedure.
Overall, HoLEP is a highly-effective and safe surgical option for men with BPH, offering significant improvements in urinary symptoms and quality of life with minimal risk of complications. Dr. Jordan Alger, at Urology Associates, is one of only a handful of urologists with the specialized training and experience needed to perform this procedure. Make an appointment today or talk to your doctor to see if this procedure is right for your individual case.