HoLEP Gland (Laser Prostatectomy)

1. What is HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate)?

HoLEP uses a holmium laser passed through the urethra to separate and remove the enlarged inner portion of the prostate that is blocking urine flow. The removed tissue is then extracted from the bladder.

2. When is it Recommended?

It may be recommended for men with moderate to severe Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), particularly when medicines have not provided adequate relief or complications such as urinary retention, recurrent urinary infections or bladder stones have developed.

3. What Symptoms May a Patient Notice?

Common symptoms include weak urine flow, difficulty starting urination, frequent or urgent urination, waking frequently at night to urinate, incomplete bladder emptying and urinary retention.

4. What Does the Treatment Involve?

The surgeon introduces a laser instrument through the urethra and uses the holmium laser to enucleate the enlarged prostate tissue. The tissue is moved into the bladder, fragmented with a morcellator and removed.

5. What Are the Main Treatment Options?

Treatment options for enlarged prostate include HoLEP, Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), GreenLight laser therapy, simple prostatectomy and robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy. The appropriate option depends on prostate size, symptoms and individual circumstances.

6. How Long Does Treatment & Recovery Take?

HoLEP commonly takes around 1–3 hours, depending on prostate size. Hospitalisation is usually 1–2 days, although some patients may be discharged earlier. Many patients can gradually return to routine activities within 1–2 weeks.

7. What Are the Important Risks or Considerations?

Possible complications include temporary blood in the urine, urinary burning, urinary infection, urgency, temporary urinary leakage, urethral narrowing and bladder-neck narrowing. Retrograde ejaculation is common after the procedure.

8. Why Consider Treatment in India?

India has specialised urology centres offering advanced laser prostatectomy, including HoLEP for large prostate glands, supported by experienced urologists and modern minimally invasive surgical facilities.

9. How Can Medavelle Help?

Medavelle can assist with prostate report review, urologist and hospital coordination, prostate-size assessment, treatment selection, HoLEP planning, international patient arrangements and postoperative follow-up.

10. What Should the Patient Do Next?

Share your prostate reports → Urologist evaluation → Prostate-size & obstruction assessment → HoLEP suitability evaluation → Treatment planning in India.