Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men, characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can cause urinary difficulties. Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a modern, minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat BPH. We have been performing HoLEP surgery on well-treated BPH patients for a long time. In this article, I will explain frequently asked questions and their answers about HoLEP surgery in the treatment of BPH.

Key points about HoLEP

Procedure: HoLEP involves using a laser to enucleate and remove the obstructive prostate tissue, restoring normal urine flow.

Candidates: Ideal for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms, especially those who haven’t responded to medication or have larger prostates.

Benefits: Offers long-term relief, minimal blood loss, short hospital stay, quick recovery, and is effective for all prostate sizes.

Risks: Includes potential urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and urethral stricture, though these are less common compared to traditional surgeries.

Recovery: Typically quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week and full recovery in a few weeks.

FAQs and unswers about BPH -HOLEP operation

These questions and answers provide a basic understanding of the HoLEP procedure for those considering it as a treatment option for BPH. Always consult with a urologist for personalized advice and information. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the HoLEP operation:

• What is BPH? Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland enlarges, leading to urinary problems such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, and frequent urination, especially at night.
• What is HoLEP? Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat BPH. It involves using a holmium laser to remove the excess prostate tissue causing the blockage.
• How does HoLEP work? During HoLEP, a surgeon uses a laser to cut and remove the obstructive prostate tissue. The tissue is then pushed into the bladder and removed. This helps to restore normal urine flow.
• Who is a good candidate for HoLEP? Men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms who haven’t responded to medications, those with larger prostates, or those seeking a long-term solution are typically good candidates for HoLEP.
• What are the advantages of HoLEP over other BPH treatments? HoLEP is effective for large prostates, involves minimal blood loss, has a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, and provides long-term relief with a low risk of needing additional surgeries.
• What should I expect during the HoLEP procedure? HoLEP is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. The procedure takes about 1-2 hours, and most patients stay in the hospital for one night.
• What is the recovery like after HoLEP? Recovery is relatively quick. Most patients can resume normal activities within a week. There may be some temporary urinary incontinence or discomfort, but these usually resolve within a few weeks.
• Are there any risks or complications associated with HoLEP? While HoLEP is generally safe, potential risks include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and urethral stricture. However, these complications are less common compared to traditional surgical methods.
• How long do the benefits of HoLEP last? HoLEP offers durable relief from BPH symptoms, with many patients experiencing significant improvement for many years.
• Will I need a catheter after the HoLEP procedure? Yes, a catheter is typically placed in the bladder to help with urination immediately after surgery, but it is usually removed within 24 hours.
• Can HoLEP be performed on very large prostates? Yes, one of the major benefits of HoLEP is that it is effective for prostates of all sizes, including very large ones, which might be challenging for other types of surgeries.
• How soon can I return to normal activities after HoLEP? Most patients can return to light activities within a few days and resume normal activities, including work and exercise, within 1-2 weeks.
• How does HoLEP differ from other BPH treatments? HoLEP is minimally invasive, has a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgeries like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). It is also suitable for larger prostates.
• What are the benefits of HoLEP? Benefits include improved urinary flow, reduced symptoms, minimal bleeding, low risk of needing future prostate surgeries, and rapid recovery.

For further personalized information and to determine if HoLEP is the right treatment for your BPH, consult with a healthcare professional.

Summary

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men, causing urinary difficulties due to an enlarged prostate. Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive surgery that effectively treats BPH by removing excess prostate tissue using a holmium laser. Consult a urologist to determine if HoLEP is the right treatment for your BPH. We have been successfully applying this method, which is a current and minimally invasive method in the surgical treatment of BPH, to our suitable patients for a long time.

Prof. Dr. Emin ÖZBEK

Urologist

Istanbul- TURKIYE