Berkshire Health

The Specialist Surgeons at Berkshire Health are pleased to offer Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP) as an alternative to Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP).

It is used to treat patients with urinary symptoms due to benign prostate enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, BPH).

Instead of using electrical energy, it uses a high-energy laser to remove the core of the prostate from inside the gland to create an open channel, whilst avoiding the muscles and nerves that are important to maintain urinary continence and erectile function. The surgical procedure is performed with a special endoscope passed through the urethra.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) can be used also for large prostates. It provides results similar to TURP, but with less chance of bleeding and a shorter recovery time. There is an added advantage of also doing vapourisation, resection or a combination of vapo-resection with the Holmium Laser.

HoLEP (Holmium laser enucleation of Prostate is the most advanced laser technique currently available and has been recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence, NICE in its guidelines.

In contrast to Green Light laser Vapourisation of the prostate it has been rigorously evaluated in 8 randomised trials. It is a size independent procedure suitable for any prostate in experienced hands, and highly effective at treating urinary retention.

The High Power Holmium Laser separates the central part of prostate from the surrounding fibrous covering (capsule) and this procedure is nearly bloodless as the laser beam when cuts the gland also seals the blood vessels. The separated part of the prostate is then pushed into urinary bladder and is cut into small pieces and sucked out by a special machine (Morcellator). The smaller pieces of the prostate are sent for biopsy to detect prostate cancer. 

Please click on the links for more information regarding laser prostate surgery

Prostate Laser Surgery - The Mayo Clinic, USA

National Institute of Clinical Excellence, NICE

Laser Prostatectomy, Wikipedia

NHS Direct - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia