HoLEP: A gold standard for BPH treatment

Medication may help but when the problems become severe, it’s time to look at surgical interventions. Based on a patient’s age and overall health, there are different types of surgeries for BPH including laser surgery and an open prostatectomy which removes part of the prostate to improve urine flow.

The HoLEP procedure is a minimally invasive surgical treatment that can cure BPH. Ten years after having the procedure 99% of men no longer need to take medication to manage their BPH and they do not require additional surgery.

This outpatient procedure allows your doctor to use a scope with a high-powered laser to remove the excess prostate tissue that is causing the discomfort and blockage. There is less bleeding, faster recovery and because it is done as outpatient surgery, there is no overnight hospital stay.

For your convenience, the HoLEP procedure is offered at two UW Health Urology locations.

Drs. Dan Gralnek and Christopher Manakas perform more than 30 HoLEP procedures each month.

Are you a Candidate for HoLEP

HoLEP is ideal for men with large prostates that have:

• Bothersome urinary symptoms (Slow Flow, interrupted flow, day and nighttime frequency, urinary urgency)

• Are catheter dependent

• Recurrent UTIs

• Bladder stones

What happens during the procedure

• General or spinal anesthesia is given as well as antibiotics

• Your surgeon will use a camera to view your prostate

• A laser is used to remove the tissue that is causing the problem

• The blood vessels will be sealed 

• A catheter will be inserted

After the HoLEP procedure

• Some bleeding is common

• Fluid will be flushed through your catheter

• Eating and drinking are permitted, increased fluid intake is encouraged to keep the urine flowing

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