Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that impedes urine flow, is treated with HOLEP, a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Urinary symptoms are alleviated by precisely cutting and removing extra prostate tissue with a holmium laser.
Important HOLEP Features:
- Laser-based: For accurate tissue removal, a holmium:YAG laser is used.
- The enucleation technique, which is less invasive than open surgery, involves pealing the prostate's inner core (adenoma) away from the capsule.
- Tissue retrieval: The tissue that has been removed is flushed out after being morcellated, or broken into tiny pieces.
- Large prostates can benefit from this treatment; unlike TURP, which has size restrictions, it works even for glands weighing more than 80–100g.
- During surgery, the laser seals blood vessels, reducing the risk of bleeding.
Symptoms of BPH (Why HOLEP is Needed)
Patients with BPH often experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including:
Obstructive Symptoms:
- Weak urine stream
- Straining to urinate
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Urinary retention (inability to urinate)
Irritative Symptoms:
- Frequent urination (especially at night – nocturia)
- Urgency (sudden strong need to urinate)
- Urge incontinence (leakage if unable to reach the toilet in time)
Complications if Untreated:
- Recurrent UTIs (from urine retention)
- Bladder stones
- Kidney damage (due to backpressure)
- Acute urinary retention (emergency condition)
