Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) in Surgical Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) Treatment

HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate), one of the surgical methods used in prostatic treatment, has emerged as a modern and minimally invasive therapeutic option. Prostate enlargement is a common problem in men, known for its effects on urination and reduction in quality of life. The HoLEP method offers an effective and reliable alternative in solving this problem, allowing patients to enter a faster recovery process. In this article prepared for you, we will provide information about what HoLEP treatment is, who it can be applied to, and how it is performed.

What is HoLEP Treatment?

HoLEP treatment is an enucleation procedure performed with holmium laser used in surgical treatment of the prostate. This method separates the prostatic tissue from the capsule surrounding it and cuts and removes the inner part of the prostate with laser energy. In this way, the prostatic tissue that obstructs urinary flow is eliminated and the patient's urination problems are resolved. Compared to other surgical methods, the HoLEP method provides less bleeding, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery process.

Who is HoLEP Treatment Applied to?

HoLEP treatment is applied to male patients experiencing urination problems due to prostate enlargement and whose quality of life has decreased as a result of these problems. HoLEP treatment may be considered in the following situations:

• Patients whose symptoms do not improve despite medical treatment,

• Patients with complaints such as difficulty during urination, weakened urinary stream, and incomplete bladder emptying,

• Patients with complications such as urinary tract infections, urinary stone formation, urinary retention, and impaired kidney function,

• Patients with prostate size of 60 grams or greater,

How is HoLEP Treatment Performed?

HoLEP treatment is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. During the procedure, a thin endoscopic instrument is placed inside the urethra. This instrument is used to cut and remove prostatic tissue with holmium laser energy. The laser energy separates the prostatic tissue from the capsule and performs the enucleation procedure. Subsequently, the removed prostatic tissue is fragmented with a special instrument within the endoscopic device and is removed through the urethra. Following the procedure, a urinary catheter is placed on the patient for a period of time and the patient's urinary flow is monitored. Patients are typically discharged within a few days and their post-operative recovery period is quite short.

What are the Advantages of HoLEP Treatment?

Holmium Laser Enucleation (HoLEP) is an effective and safe method used to address urinary flow problems resulting from prostate enlargement. This treatment offers many advantages over other prostate surgeries. The advantages of HoLEP treatment can be listed as follows:

• HoLEP treatment causes less bleeding compared to other surgical methods. This significantly reduces patients' need for blood transfusion.

• The HoLEP method allows patients to stay in the hospital for a shorter period and recover more quickly. Typically, patients are discharged within 1-2 days after surgery.

• HoLEP treatment has a lower complication risk compared to other prostate surgeries. Surgeries performed with this method result in less occurrence of complications such as infection, urinary retention, and sexual dysfunction.

• HoLEP treatment results in complete removal of the prostate gland and thus effectively resolves urinary flow problems. Surgeries performed with this method significantly improve patients' quality of life.

• The HoLEP method is less invasive than other prostate surgeries and preserves natural urinary pathways. This results in less discomfort and pain experienced by patients following surgery.

What are the Risks Associated with HoLEP Treatment?

Although HoLEP treatment is safer and more effective compared to other prostate surgeries, surgeries performed with this method carry certain risks. Risks associated with HoLEP treatment can be explained as follows:

• Bleeding may occur during HoLEP treatment, although minimally. However, this is at a lower level compared to other prostate surgeries.

• In the post-operative period, some patients may experience urinary retention problems. This condition is typically temporary and resolves in a short time.

• Following HoLEP surgery, some patients may experience urinary incontinence. This condition is generally temporary and may improve over time.

• As with any surgical procedure, infection risk exists in HoLEP treatment. However, this risk is lower compared to other prostate surgeries.

• Following HoLEP treatment, some patients may experience sexual dysfunction. However, this risk is at a lower level compared to other prostate surgeries.

How is HoLEP Surgery Performed?

HoLEP surgery is typically performed under spinal or general anesthesia. During surgery, the surgeon uses a special laser device to remove the inner part of the prostate gland. The steps of HoLEP surgery are as follows:

Spinal or general anesthesia is administered to the patient to prevent pain and discomfort during surgery.

The surgeon delivers the laser instrument to the prostate gland via the urethra.

The surgeon uses holmium laser energy to cut and remove the inner part of the prostate gland. This procedure ensures complete removal of the prostatic tissue obstructing urinary flow.

Fragments of the removed prostatic tissue are removed through the urethra with the help of a special device.

After complete removal of the prostate gland, the surgeon completes the surgery and the patient's recovery process begins.

HoLEP treatment is a method that effectively and safely resolves urinary flow problems resulting from prostate enlargement. This treatment significantly improves patients' quality of life and provides a faster recovery period. However, as with any surgical procedure, HoLEP treatment carries certain risks. For this reason, before applying this method, it is important for patients to discuss the risks and advantages with their physicians.

HoLEP Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has gained international recognition through its investments and work in the healthcare sector. Particularly, state-of-the-art devices used in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures have brought hope to many diseases. Additionally, an increase in medical tourism to Turkey has been observed.

• Large, clean, and spacious hospitals with full technological equipment,

• Turkish physicians being expert, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and caregivers being friendly and compassionate,

• Quick and accurate answers to inquiries,

• Patient-related personnel, including intermediary companies, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering natural and historical beauty with vacation opportunities,

• Ease of transportation,

• Meeting diagnostic, therapeutic, accommodation, food, beverage, clothing, and vacation needs at affordable prices,

are listed among the reasons for preference. Regarding HoLEP Treatment Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and their families who wish to come to Turkey conduct research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide definitive price information. Many factors such as the type and stage of the disease, diagnostic process, treatment process, and duration of stay in Turkey affect pricing. If you wish to obtain more detailed price information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our intermediary services, we can facilitate your visa application procedures with an invitation letter we send to the consulate.