Enlarged Prostate Gland, Watch Out!
The Holmium Laser Enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an advanced endoscopic surgical procedure that is done to remove the enlarged prostate gland. As laser seals blood vessels accurately, there is little or no bleeding, thereby making the entire procedure a lot safer.
How does HoLEP work?
The HoLEP surgery is a state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgery that removes the enlarged prostate gland tissue without any incision.
The goal of the HoLEP surgery is to relieve pressure on the tube (urethra) through which the urine drains, by anatomically enucleating the prostate adenoma. This is done under regional anaesthesia with the help of a telescopic camera inserted through the penis. The three lobes of the prostate that are cored out intact are pushed into the bladder before being churned &sucked up (morcellated) by a special instrument inserted through the same telescopic camera.
A catheter is placed into the bladder to drain the urine while the raw surface heals for the next 48 to 72 hours. The sterile saline fluid is also irrigated into the bladder through the catheter to dilute any blood in the urine and prevent clots formation. It is normal to have some blood in the urine after this operation, so it is advisable to drink plenty of water for a few days while it clears.
Who are the right candidates?
HoLEP can be performed on men of any age with urinary outflow obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate. It is particularly useful in men with very large prostates (over 80 ml in size).
What are the advantages of HoLEP?
- Safe, even in an elderly individual
- Safe in patients with a low sodium level
- Less bleeding
- Perfect for small to very large prostates
- No blood transfusion required
- Safe even for cardiac patients and those on anticoagulants
- Minimal catheterization
- Early return to work
- No chances of recurrence
- Immediate relief of symptoms
- Ability to destroy bladder stones if present
- Lower complication rate