Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, or HoLEP, uses a laser to remove prostate tissue from prostates that are too big and are squeezing the urethra.
An enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. BPH usually doesn’t require surgery — unless you have symptoms that are worsening or not well-controlled on medication.
These symptoms may include the urge to urinate more often, a weak urine stream, pain or straining to urinate, and waking up at night to pee. Symptoms can get worse until you may not be able to urinate at all, have frequent urinary infections or develop bladder stones.
HoLEP can avoid the longer recovery time and complications of traditional surgery while providing relief from BPH.
HoLEP Procedure Steps
Before your HoLEP procedure, your doctor will make sure you’re a good candidate. HoLEP is often a good choice for someone with advanced BPH — your prostate is very enlarged, and the symptoms are causing many problems in your life. Your doctor will also do some tests to make sure there are no signs of infection or other problems.
During the HoLEP procedure, you are under general anesthesia. A small tube is inserted in the tip of the penis, then guided through the urethra and into the bladder. Your HoLEP doctor uses this tube to insert a laser and camera (to look at your prostate).
The laser is used to remove the enlarged prostate tissue blocking the urethra. Then, the tissue is pushed inside the bladder, where the doctor cuts the tissue into small enough pieces to remove through the urethra.
Meet our HoLEP specialist
HoLEP Second Opinion Services
If you are considering treatment for BPH and want a second opinion, we have options. Schedule a virtual appointment for today or tomorrow or an in-person appointment at one of our convenient locations.
You can also call (888) 352-7874.
Rush Excellence in HoLEP
- Among the first, among the best: As the sixth hospital in the country to offer HoLEP, we’ve been working with this technology since it’s been available. And our experienced urologists and care team members know exactly what to expect.
- You’ve got options: Whether you’ve been living with BPH for a long time or you just got diagnosed, there are multiple treatment options that could help. HoLEP is one of them, but Rush offers a wide range of treatments. Our providers will create a treatment plan just for you, with your goals and values in mind.
- Nationally-ranked care: Rush University Medical Center's urology program is ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the HoLEP Procedure
Most people who have HoLEP go home the same day, but you may need to stay overnight for observation.
When you go home from your HoLEP procedure, you will be wearing a catheter (a small tube inserted in the urethra to release urine). At your follow-up appointment one to two days after HoLEP, the catheter will be removed.
Most people can return to work within one to two weeks.
If you have tried other options (such as medications and lifestyle changes) to relieve symptoms of BPH, but still have problems that are interfering with your daily life, HoLEP might be right for you.
Other surgical options for BPH involve a longer recovery time. This includes wearing a catheter for around seven days. Other invasive surgical options (including surgical removal of the prostate) require longer rest time, in addition to a longer period of wearing a catheter.