The standard surgical treatment for BPH is transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP. However, TURP can have possible side effects including bleeding, fluid overload, prolonged hospital stay and high urethral stricture rates. This is why laser prostatectomy has gained relevance as a safer and easier alternative, since the 1980s.
The most effective among laser prostatectomy techniques is holmium laser enucleation of the prostate or HOLEP. An advanced, high-precision procedure that uses high power holmium laser to remove the entire portion of the prostate gland that blocks urine flow without any incisions, HOLEP provides permanent relief from prostate symptoms, as there is nothing to grow back following the surgery.
Besides, the post-surgical complications, blood loss and pain are significantly less compared TURP, which means faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal life. HOLEP also preserves the removed tissue for microscopic examination.
Advantages of HOLEP (compared to TURP)
- Lesser blood loss
- Fewer complications
- Discharge within 1-2 days
- Helpful for all sizes of prostate glands (no upper limit)
- Chances of recurrence / requirement for another surgery is very rare
- Patients on anticoagulants/ blood thinning medications need not stop the medicines before surgery
- Quick return to normal life
