HoLEP surgery for an enlarged prostate
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition that causes an enlarged prostate. Almost all men experience this common problem as they grow older. The condition can cause symptoms such as a slow or weak urine flow and an inability to fully empty the bladder.
HoLEP is a shorter way to say holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. During this surgery, a urologists employ laser beams to remove tissues in the prostate that are blocking a man’s urine stream.
How our urologists perform the surgery?
Below are the basic steps of a HoLEP procedure.
- The anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia, or spinals for certain patients.
- A urologist inserts a rectoscope through the urethra. This instrument allows the surgeon to insert a laser into the prostate. The rectoscope also includes a camera to provide a view of the surgical area.
- The laser sends pulsating beams into the prostate to get rid of tissue that is blocking or slowing urine flow from the prostate.
- A urologist removes the rectoscope and inserts an instrument called a morcellator to remove the tissue, retaining some of it to send for an analysis.
- Surgery is complete in one to three hours.
Recovering from surgery
After surgery, patients have a urinary catheter until the day after surgery. Here are some things patients can expect after a HoLEP procedure.
- Blood in the urine that can persist for several weeks
- Painful, burning urination
- Symptoms such as frequent urination, waking up at night to go to the bathroom, or feeling the sudden urge to urinate. These can last for several months, but should improve over time.
See our Austin urologists for BPH treatment options
Every patient who has an enlarged prostate is different. The Urology Specialists of Austin urologists are experienced experts who will figure out which BPH treatment is the best option for every man’s circumstances. Contact us for an appointment at one of our offices in South Austin, North Austin, Round Rock or Dripping Springs.
