Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a treatment for men with benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The laser surgery removes blockages of urine flow. This treatment is done without any incisions on the body.
What is holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)?
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a type of laser surgery used to
treat obstruction (blockage) of urine flow as a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In men with BPH, the prostate gland is not cancerous but has
become enlarged. An enlarged prostate can result in a number of urinary tract symptoms such as frequent urination, inability to urinate, difficulty in
starting urination, or loss of bladder control.
HoLEP was developed in the 1990s as a more effective and potentially less costly surgery for urinary obstruction due to BPH, as compared to
other surgical options such as laser vaporization and transurethral resection of the prostate.
How does holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) work?
The holmium laser is a surgical laser that has been found particularly effective in
performing several types of urological surgeries. In the case of HoLEP, the laser is used to cut and remove the bulky prostate tissue that is blocking the
flow of urine.
Who needs to have holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)?
BPH occurs in more than 40 percent of men over the age of 60 and is a leading cause of
urination symptoms, including difficulty in passing urine. As men age, the symptoms of this condition can worsen. Although many cases of urinary obstruction
from BPH can be treated without surgery, patients who do not benefit from such medical treatments may eventually need surgery to avoid or deal with long-term
problems such as retention of urine, urinary tract infections, and bladder stones. Patients who are appropriate for HoLEP are typically symptomatic due to
very large prostates.
Patients may not be candidates for HoLEP if: