Unlocking Relief: Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) – Pioneering Minimally Invasive Treatment

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. Here is a look at the procedure, recovery, risks and possible side effects.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate – otherwise more simply known as holmium laser prostate surgery or abbreviated as HoLEP – is a minimally invasive procedure to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – an enlarged prostate – which is common in older men and can restrict the flow of urine to the urethra.

It is a very effective way to operate on symptoms quickly and efficiently, and the procedure greatly reduces recovery time and postoperative complications.

The procedure employs a laser to remove enlarged prostate tissue that impedes urine flow, meaning that no incisions need to be made. It averts any metabolic complications associated with a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) procedure and is far less invasive.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate also helps preserve tissue that is removed, which may be necessary to help diagnose prostate cancer.

What Is The Prostate?

The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system. Its main role is to produce the fluid that carries and protects sperm. It is located in the lower abdomen in men only.

As men get older, the prostate can enlarge, restricting the flow of urine to the urethra. This will lead to poor flow or the inability to void the bladder of urine completely. It may also increase the frequency and urgency of urination – this can be particularly uncomfortable at night, where multiple trips to the bathroom may be needed.

Procedure

HoLEP aims to remove the blockage to relieve these symptoms. This is done by inserting an instrument called a resectoscope into the eye of the penis and through the urethra to get a visual of the prostate tissue and the lining of the bladder.

From here, a high powered holmium laser is used to cut away the obtrusive tissue. An instrument called a morcellator is used to cut the resected prostate tissue into smaller pieces. The tissue is then removed via the rectoscope.

After the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the urethra to drain any urine; this may remain in place for a day or two after surgery.

Before the procedure patients are usually given a general anaesthetic, spinal anaesthesia is also possible. Your anaesthetist and urologist will discuss this with you.

Recovery

After the procedure patients are usually required to stay in the hospital for one or two days. During this time, a catheter is necessary because the swelling caused by the procedure blocks the flow of urine. This is required for a day or two or until the swelling goes down.

Once the catheter has been removed, the patient can go home. Full recovery should only take 1-2 weeks. During this time, patients are advised to rest and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity.

Risks and Side Effects

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is far less invasive than open or laparoscopic surgery. It has many benefits, including a shorter stay in the hospital, less bleeding, lower chance of metabolic complications. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks, such as bleeding and urinary tract infection (UTI).

A common side effect is a burning or stinging sensation, and frequent urination, for a short period after the procedure. Other possible side effects include retrograde ejaculation, which is quite common. There is also the possibility of erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra), but these are rare.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate with Urology Specialist

While he is primarily a urological cancer surgeon, Dr Arianayagam also sees patients with more general urological problems and often practices laser prostate surgery. Beginning his practice in 2011, Dr Arianayagam has quickly become one of Sydney’s most trusted urologists.

If you have any further questions about HoLEP, prostatectomy, urology in Sydney, or would like to book an appointment, please feel free to call today.

While you’re here, learn about some of the other procedures Urology Specialist covers:

Transurethral Resection of the prostate (TURP) and how it works

Hysterectomy and how it works

Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty and how it works