HoLep for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

HoLep for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A Treatment Option for Men with Enlarged Prostate

Urologists at UCLA Urology are now offering HoLep (Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate), a treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

What is your prostate?

The prostate is the walnut-sized gland in men, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding the urethra – the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. The prostate produces and stores fluid that helps to make semen, and is involved in regulating bladder control.

What is BPH?

BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can affect men as they get older. BPH can lead to serious complications such as recurrent UTIs, bladder stones, urinary retention, and kidney failure (rare). It is important to seek treatment early for this condition because if left untreated it can lead to urinary retention and poor bladder and kidney function.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

Symptoms from BPH can include difficulty starting to urinate, a weak urinary stream, increased frequency of urination, increased night time urination, leakage of urine, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and retention of urine. The diagnosis can usually be made by a physician after taking a history and carefully examining the prostate gland. A urine sample is usually checked to make sure there is no blood or infection. 

What is HoLep Treatment for BPH?

Not everyone who develops BPH will need treatment. However, if your prostate is of a certain size that is appropriate for HoLep, your healthcare provider may recommend holmium laser treatment (HoLep) as the best option to relieve your symptoms.

Holmium laser prostate surgery is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate (BPH). The procedure uses a scope per urethra with a high-powered laser to carefully core out and remove the excess prostate tissue that is causing the obstruction of the urethra. 

What are the benefits of HoLep treatment for BPH?

• This is a minimally invasive procedure for men with very large prostates who are usually managed with either a traditional open or robotic simple prostatectomy. 
• The residual tissue pieces of the prostate that are removed by the surgeon can be examined to check for cancerous cells. This differs from other laser procedures which completely destroy the prostate tissue that is removed. 
• Catheter remains overnight compared to open or robotic simple prostatectomy which usually requires a catheter for a week.
• Less bleeding during the procedure 
• Faster recovery time
• 24-hour or less hospital stay

UCLA Advantages

UCLA Urology has board-certified urologists offering this procedure, assuring you are getting an experienced physician performing your evaluation and treatment. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call the UCLA Urology Appointment line at (310) 794-7700.