Holmium laser treatment

HOLMIUM LASER ENUCLEATION OF THE PROSTATE


Holmium laser treatment, or HoLEP, is a minimally invasive procedure for benign (non-cancerous) prostate enlargement

Enquiries & Appointments

London Bridge Hospital _Sept 23_190.jpg

What is HoLEP?

Benign prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, can obstruct the flow of urine from your bladder, making it difficult or uncomfortable to urinate.

HoLEP is a specialised form of prostate surgery that uses a precise laser to remove excess tissue. Unlike other methods, it can be done on any size prostate.

Need to know

The procedure is usually done under general anaesthetic. Sometimes it can be done using a spinal epidural, so you'll be awake but numb from the waist down. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach for you.

Your surgeon will guide a thin operating telescope called a laser resectoscope into your urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder). A precise laser is then used to remove the excess prostate tissue. A tissue sample will be taken to confirm no cancer cells are present in the tissue removed. Afterwards, your surgeon will put a catheter in place to drain urine from your bladder.

Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. If you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.

Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

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. You may have some pain or difficulty when passing urine for a few days after the procedure. Simple pain killers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can help. You'll also be advised about pelvic floor exercises.

It's important to drink at least two litres of water every day (a glass every hour). Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise. You should still continue to have regular prostate checks going forward.

Hospital stay and procedure

Paying for medical treatment

You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.

Our Holmium laser treatment consultants

Mr Tev Aho

Mr Tev Aho

Urology

Mr Rajesh Nair

Mr Rajesh Nair

Urology

Mr Tamer El-Husseiny

Mr Tamer El-Husseiny

Urology

Mr Marc Laniado

Mr Marc Laniado

Urology

Our Holmium laser treatment locations

The Prostate Centre

The Prostate Centre

18 Devonshire Street W1G 7AQ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.