HoLEP

Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate

HoLEP is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate. Archbold Urology was the first in South Georgia to offer patients the HoLep procedure with the latest innovation in urologic laser technology.

HoLEP surgery is done through a thin, tube-like scope instrument inserted through the penis. It does not use incisions through the skin. The inside tissue of the prostate is removed with a laser tool, leaving the outer shell intact. By decreasing the pressure on the urethra caused by an enlarged prostate, patients typically experience improvement in their symptoms, such as weak stream or difficulty starting a stream of urine.

As with other types of prostate laser surgery, HoLEP can offer faster recovery and symptom relief compared with traditional prostate surgery.

Benefits of HoLEP surgery:

Minimally-invasive -- no incisions, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complicaitons
Patients typically do not need follow-up treatments.
Patients may only need a urinary catheter for a short time after surgery.
Minimally-invasive laser offers less risk of bleeding, even for those on an anticoagulant (blood thinner) medication.
Shorter recovery time -- most patients can resume physical activities one week after surgery

Potential candidates for HoLEP surgery:

Men with bothersome urinary symptoms due to BPH
Men whose past procedures have not fixed BPH (in some cases)
Men with a weak bladder and BPH
Men with a blocked flow of urine due to prostate cancer (although HoLEP is not a treatment for prostate cancer)