Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
Minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate
An enlarged prostate is the most common cause of urinary problems in men over 40. The HoLEP procedure is an innovative treatment option that can relieve symptoms.
If you have an enlarged prostate, this procedure might be right for you. With an enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), the prostate enlarges and constricts the urethra. This pressure causes discomfort and makes it difficult to urinate. Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves the pressure.
What is Enucleation?
Enucleation simply means to cleanly remove something. During the HoLEP procedure, a surgeon uses a laser to cut out and remove excess tissue from the prostate gland. Your surgeon uses a scope through the urethra. This lets them remove the blockage while preserving healthy prostate tissue. Enucleation surgery results in an open channel for urination.
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia by a urologist and generally lasts two to three hours. Compared with other prostate procedures, patients experience less bleeding, shorter catheterization time and better long-term outcomes. You should be able to get back to your life quickly
What to Expect with HoLEP Procedure
If you have an enlarged prostate, this procedure might be right for you. With an enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), the prostate enlarges and constricts the urethra. This pressure causes discomfort and makes it difficult to urinate. Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves the pressure.
What is Enucleation?
Enucleation simply means to cleanly remove something. During the HoLEP procedure, a surgeon uses a laser to cut out and remove excess tissue from the prostate gland. Your surgeon uses a scope through the urethra. This lets them remove the blockage while preserving healthy prostate tissue. Enucleation surgery results in an open channel for urination.
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia by a urologist and generally lasts two to three hours. Compared with other prostate procedures, patients experience less bleeding, shorter catheterization time and better long-term outcomes. You should be able to get back to your life quickly
The HoLEP program coordinator will assist you in gathering all the information they need from your referring urologist. You may also be required to submit bloodwork, an EKG, and urine culture. The experts at IU Health will guide you through the process to ensure you fully understand your procedure and what to expect.
Preparing For Your HoLEP Procedure
The HoLEP program coordinator will assist you in gathering all the information they need from your referring urologist. You may also be required to submit bloodwork, an EKG, and urine culture. The experts at IU Health will guide you through the process to ensure you fully understand your procedure and what to expect.
After the HoLEP procedure, you can expect to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. You should feel comfortable returning to full activity levels after one week of minimal activity. Follow up appointments are recommended at three months, six months and then every two years.
Relief from prostate blockage is almost immediate. Some patients may experience urgency, frequent urination and leakage for up to three months after the procedure.
After Your HoLEP Procedure
After the HoLEP procedure, you can expect to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. You should feel comfortable returning to full activity levels after one week of minimal activity. Follow up appointments are recommended at three months, six months and then every two years.
Relief from prostate blockage is almost immediate. Some patients may experience urgency, frequent urination and leakage for up to three months after the procedure.
IU Health has a long history of leading edge urology care. Our unique partnership with the IU School of Medicine lets us deliver exceptional outcomes and pioneer new treatments in urology.
Why to Have Your HoLEP Procedure at IU Health
IU Health has a long history of leading edge urology care. Our unique partnership with the IU School of Medicine lets us deliver exceptional outcomes and pioneer new treatments in urology.
Schedule a Consultation
Call 317.962.3700 for more information or to schedule a consultation.