Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and Thulium Fiber Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuFLEP) are advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedures used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Here’s an overview for patient education:
HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate)
- Uses a holmium laser to remove excess prostate tissue causing urinary obstruction.
- Suitable for moderate to very large prostates.
- Tissue is then morcellated and removed from the bladder.
- Advantages:
- Effective for large prostates.
- Lower risk of needing retreatment.
- Less bleeding compared to traditional surgery.
- Shorter catheterization time and hospital stay.
- Potential Risks:
- Temporary burning during urination.
- Retrograde ejaculation.
- Temporary incontinence in some cases.
- Rare risk of urethral stricture.
ThuFLEP (Thulium Fiber Laser Enucleation of the Prostate)
- Uses a thulium fiber laser, which offers a more continuous energy delivery than holmium.
- Similar technique to HoLEP but with potentially finer precision.
- Advantages:
- May have slightly less bleeding.
- Comparable outcomes to HoLEP in terms of effectiveness.
- Fast recovery and shorter catheterization.
- Potential Risks:
- Similar to HoLEP (temporary incontinence, retrograde ejaculation, burning urination, etc.).
Both procedures are excellent alternatives to TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), especially for larger prostates.