BPH Treatment: Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)

HoLEP is a surgical procedure that uses laser technology to remove the prostate in one piece and then a separate instrument to cut the prostate tissue into smaller fragments that are easily removed.

How it Works

Imagining an orange, a HoLEP would be similar to removing the inside of the orange but leaving behind the peeling. This option is typically used for the largest prostates.

A laser is used to enucleate, or core-out, the prostate in one piece. A separate instrument is then used to cut the prostate tissue into smaller fragments that are easily removed.

The procedure is typically performed under anesthesia. A catheter is required for at least one night, sometimes longer.

Recovery

• Most men will experience ejaculatory dysfunction, specifically retrograde.
• The risk of erectile dysfunction is very low.
• The procedure requires decreased activity for 2-4 weeks.
• Blood in the urine is expected for 1-4 weeks, although it may come and go for longer.
• Burning with urination and/or urinary frequency and urgency may last for a few weeks.
• This procedure is best for very large prostates, as it removes the most prostate tissue.
• Prostate tissue is removed and will be checked for cancer by a pathologist.