CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP)
- Leading UK centre for HoLEP procedures
- Minimally invasive treatment for faster recovery
- High success rates – effective long-term symptom relief
Holep at HCA UK
Why choose us?
Gain fast access to our highly experienced specialists at the UK’s leading centre for HoLEP minimally invasive surgery. At The Princess Grace Hospital, we perform more HoLEP procedures than any other private UK provider.
With fast access to leading urologists specialising in HoLEP surgery and good availability in our modern, highly equipped facilities, we’ll usually be able to confirm a consultant appointment within 24 hours.
You can also expect comprehensive support from our multidisciplinary patient care team – from initial assessment through to three-month follow-up.
300+
HoLEP procedures performed in 2024
99%
of men with catheters become permanently catheter-free after HoLEP
100
of patients stop taking prostate medications after treatment
Trusted expertise
from the highest volume HoLEP centre in the UK
Precision treatment
relieves symptoms and reduces the need for medication
Leading urologists
with experience in advanced, minimally invasive techniques
Understanding the Holmium laser treatment process
Your patient journey
From the moment you step through the door, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible. We do this by letting you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here or in the FAQ section below, please contact your patient support team or clinical nurse specialist who will be able to help.
01
Initial consultation
Your first consultation and assessment will usually be with one of our specialists so they can examine you, review your symptoms and address any questions or concerns you may have. They will also refer you for any necessary scans and tests, wherever possible on the same day.
02
Preparing for the procedure
When your consultant has seen the results of any relevant investigations and agreed that HoLEP is right for you, they will explain the procedure and prepare you for your hospital admission. They’ll tell you what you can eat and drink, what to wear and how long it should take you to recover.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects. Your consultant will discuss these with you.
03
The procedure
Before the procedure, you’ll receive either a general or spinal anaesthesia. Your surgeon will use a holmium laser to peel away and remove the obstructive prostate tissue through your urethra. Following your surgery, you’ll usually have a review with your consultant on the same day.
You will generally need to stay in hospital overnight, although the shorter recovery times mean you should be ready to go home the next day.
04
After treatment
You'll be cared for in hospital for up to two days while you recover from the procedure. The catheter will usually be removed the day after your surgery.
It's normal to feel some discomfort or tenderness for a few days following surgery, including pain or difficulty when passing urine. Your consultant will recommend some things you can do to stay as comfortable as possible, such as pelvic floor exercises and taking simple pain killers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. It's important to drink at least two litres of water every day (a glass every hour) during your recovery.
05
Follow-up and after care
Following discharge, you will be sent home with post-operative advice, and booked in for a follow-up consultation three months after surgery to monitor your recovery and ensure the treatment has been successful.
You may notice mild urinary symptoms (such as frequency or discomfort) for a short time after surgery. Most people return to normal activities within a week or two, though you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least two weeks after your surgery. We’ll always provide you with a clear aftercare plan to ensure your comfort and safety.
You should still continue to have regular prostate checks going forward.
Our locations
Where can I have my Holmium laser treatment?
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
FAQs
While standard HoLEP is the most effective option for relieving urinary symptoms, it typically results in retrograde (backward) ejaculation. Ejaculation-sparing HoLEP is designed to preserve sexual function but may not be as durable or effective in the long term as a treatment.
Your consultant will discuss both options with you and help you decide what’s best for your needs.
Yes. In fact, HoLEP has a 99% success rate in helping men become permanently catheter-free following surgery.
Almost all patients are able to stop taking prostate-related medications after successful HoLEP surgery.
Many patients notice an immediate improvement in urine flow, with further progress in the weeks following the procedure.
As with any procedure, there are some risks. Common short-term side effects can include temporary burning when urinating, blood in the urine or increased urgency. More rarely, there may be infections or difficulty passing urine. Your consultant will discuss all potential risks with you in advance.
Standard HoLEP often causes retrograde ejaculation, which means semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during orgasm. This is harmless but can affect fertility. An ejaculation-sparing version of the procedure is available and may be discussed with your consultant, depending on your preferences and clinical suitability.
Fewer than 1% of men who have HoLEP can suffer a long-term weakening of erections that doesn’t respond to tablets like sildenafil or tadalafil.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.