Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of obstructing prostate tissue using a laser, followed by the temporary insertion of a catheter to help the bladder drain normally.
HoLEP is an ideal/best suitable treatment for patients diagnosed with urinary outflow obstruction (trouble passing urine) caused by an enlarged prostate.
Also, this treatment is recommended for men on medications to thin the blood such as warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure is carried out under a general anaesthetic (you are asleep) or a spinal anaesthetic (you are awake but unable to feel anything from the waist down).
During the procedure, a laser is used to separate the obstructing prostate tissue from its surrounding capsule and to push it in large chunks into the bladder. An instrument is then used through a telescope device to remove the prostate tissue from the bladder. A catheter is normally left to drain the bladder at the end of the procedure.
On average, the procedure takes 60-180 minutes, depending on the size of your prostate, and is carried out as a day case (you go home the same day).
After surgery, most patients require a recovery period of 1-2 weeks at home before they feel ready for work. However, it is recommended that you must rest for 3-4 weeks before resuming any job, especially if it is physically strenuous, and you should avoid any heavy lifting during this time.
References:
https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/media/s24jqvuq/holep_jul20.pdf