Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)

Procedures we perform

ABOUT HoLEP

What is a HoLEP?

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an operation to remove prostate tissue which is blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder.

It uses a laser to remove the excess prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow.

HoLEP is effective for treating very large prostates and has a lower risk of bleeding than Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP).

Why is HoLEP required?

HoLEP is usually performed to treat urinary symptoms due to benign enlargement of the prostate.

These symptoms may include:

Waking through the night to urinate.

Needing to pass urine frequently and urgently.

Reduced urine flow.

Difficulty starting urination.

Incomplete bladder emptying.

Prostate Enlargement

Prostate enlargement, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland that commonly occurs in men as they age. The prostate surrounds the urethra, so when it enlarges, it can press against the urethra and block urine flow.

PATIENT JOURNEY

What does HoLEP involve?

HoLEP involves using a laser to core out the obstructing part of the prostate, leaving the outer zone of the prostate behind.

It is performed by passing a telescope into the bladder through the urethra (waterpipe).

Once the obstructing tissue is cut away, it is pushed into the bladder, where a device called a morcellator breaks it up and removes it. The tissue which is removed from the prostate is sent for further testing.

The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic.

What is the recovery after HoLEP?

HoLEP usually requires a one to two night stay in hospital.

A catheter is placed in the bladder after the procedure. It is usually removed prior to discharge from hospital.

Urinary flow usually improves within the first few days after the procedure. Urinary frequency and urgency will initially be worse and may take several months to improve. There may be blood in the urine for several weeks after the procedure.

You can usually return to most activities around two weeks after a HoLEP.

What are the alternative treatment options?

Our urologists offer a variety of surgical treatment options for the management of urinary symptoms due to prostate enlargement.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a procedure used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.

Prostatic water vapour therapy (Rezūm)

Prostatic water vapour therapy (Rezūm) is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostate enlargement. It uses water vapour to remove prostate tissue which is blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder.

Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift)

Prostatic urethral lift (UroLift) is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostate enlargement. It involves placing implants into the prostate which retract the prostatic tissue.

Temporary Implanted Nitinol Device (iTIND)

Temporary implanted nitinol device (iTind) is a minimally procedure is a treatment for the management of an enlarged prostate. It involves placing a temporary implant into the prostate which reshapes the prostate.

Robotic Simple Prostatectomy

Robotic simple prostatectomy is a procedure to remove prostatic tissue which is blocking the flow of urine from the bladder. It is performed using the da Vinci robotic surgical system. It is usually performed for treatment of very large prostates.

Bladder neck incision

A bladder neck incision (BNI) is a procedure used to treat bladder neck obstruction, which causes urinary problems due to narrowing at the join between the bladder and the prostate.

OUR TEAM

Meet our Urologists

The following Urologists in our practice perform HoLEP:

Dr Anojan Navaratnam

Urologist

Dr Andrew Keller