HoLEP for an Enlarged Prostate in Newcastle
HoLEP is a laser procedure used to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. It removes the obstructing inner part of the prostate to improve the flow of urine and reduce bladder outlet obstruction.
Tyneside Urology Partners provides HoLEP consultations in Newcastle for selected men with enlarged prostate symptoms, including men with larger prostates who may need a tissue-removing procedure. Treatment suitability depends on your symptoms, prostate size, bladder function, medical history and a specialist consultation.
What is HoLEP?
HoLEP stands for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. It is a surgical treatment for benign prostate enlargement. Benign means non-cancerous.
The prostate sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. When the prostate becomes enlarged, it can press on the urethra and narrow the channel that urine passes through. This can cause symptoms such as weak flow, hesitancy, straining, urgency, frequency or waking at night to pass urine.
HoLEP uses a holmium laser to separate the enlarged inner part of the prostate from the outer capsule. The obstructing tissue is then moved into the bladder, broken into smaller pieces and removed during the same procedure.
Because HoLEP removes the obstructing tissue rather than simply widening the channel, it can offer durable symptom relief for suitable patients. It can be particularly useful for men with larger prostates, although suitability will always depend on individual assessment.
Why HoLEP may be considered
HoLEP may be considered when urinary symptoms are caused by prostate enlargement and a tissue-removing procedure is appropriate. It may be discussed when symptoms are significant, bladder emptying is affected or medication has not provided enough improvement.
One of the main advantages of HoLEP is that it can be used for a wide range of prostate sizes, including larger glands that may be less suitable for some other procedures. Your clinician will assess your prostate size and anatomy before advising whether HoLEP is a reasonable option.
HoLEP is a more active treatment than some minimally invasive prostate procedures. It can provide strong symptom relief for suitable men, but it also has important side effects to consider, including a high chance of changes to ejaculation. Your clinician will discuss the benefits and trade-offs clearly before any decision is made.
Who HoLEP is for
HoLEP may be suitable for selected men with urinary symptoms caused by benign prostate enlargement, especially where removing obstructing tissue is likely to be helpful. Specialist assessment may be helpful if you:
- Have bothersome symptoms from an enlarged prostate
- Have a weak or slow urine flow
- Have difficulty starting urination
- Need to strain to pass urine
- Feel that your bladder does not empty fully
- Wake at night to pass urine
- Have a larger prostate
- Have not had enough improvement with medication
- Want to discuss a durable surgical option
- Are prepared to discuss possible ejaculation changes before treatment
HoLEP is not suitable for everyone. Your clinician will discuss your symptoms, examine you where appropriate and explain whether this treatment is a reasonable option for you.
Symptoms HoLEP may help treat
HoLEP may be discussed when urinary symptoms are thought to be caused by benign prostate enlargement. These symptoms can overlap with bladder problems, infection or other urological conditions, so careful assessment is important.
A weak or slow stream can happen when the enlarged prostate narrows the urethra. This can make passing urine take longer and may become increasingly frustrating.
Some men find it difficult to start passing urine or need to strain. This can occur when the bladder has to work harder to push urine through a narrowed prostate channel.
A feeling that the bladder has not emptied fully may occur when urine remains in the bladder after passing urine. This can sometimes contribute to discomfort, recurrent urinary symptoms or bladder stones.
An enlarged prostate can contribute to needing to pass urine more often or waking at night to use the toilet. These symptoms can also be linked to bladder overactivity, so assessment helps guide treatment.
What to expect
HoLEP is carried out in a clinical setting by a specialist urologist. The exact pathway will depend on your symptoms, prostate assessment, general health and your clinician’s recommendation.
You will begin with a consultation to discuss your urinary symptoms, how long they have been present and how they affect your daily life. Your clinician will ask about urine flow, urgency, night-time urination, infections, previous treatments and any medicines you are taking.
Tests may include urine testing, a flow test, bladder scan to check emptying, prostate assessment and further investigations where needed. These help confirm whether symptoms are likely to be caused by benign prostate enlargement and whether HoLEP is suitable.
Your clinician will explain what HoLEP involves, what it may help with, what the limitations are and what side effects can occur.
HoLEP is performed under anaesthetic. The anaesthetic plan will be confirmed by your clinician before treatment.
During the procedure, a surgical instrument is passed through the urethra to reach the prostate. There are no external cuts. The holmium laser is used to separate the obstructing inner prostate tissue from the outer prostate capsule.
The freed tissue is moved into the bladder and then removed using a specialist instrument. A catheter is usually placed after the procedure to drain urine while the prostate area begins to settle.
Recovery varies between patients. A catheter is usually needed for a short period after HoLEP. A brief hospital stay may be required depending on your clinical situation and local arrangements.
It is common to notice blood in the urine, stinging when passing urine, urgency, frequency or temporary leakage while healing takes place. These symptoms often improve as recovery progresses.
Your clinician will confirm catheter care, activity advice, medicines, follow-up arrangements and when you can return to normal routines.
Follow-up allows your clinician to check your recovery, review your urine flow and discuss whether symptoms are improving. You may need a flow test or bladder scan after treatment to assess how well the bladder is emptying.
If symptoms do not improve as expected or return over time, your clinician will discuss whether further assessment or treatment is needed.
Benefits of HoLEP
HoLEP may offer a durable treatment option for selected men with enlarged prostate symptoms.
Suitable for larger prostates
HoLEP can be considered for a wide range of prostate sizes, including larger prostates that may be more difficult to treat with some other techniques.
Removes obstructing tissue
The procedure removes the inner prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. This can help improve flow and reduce symptoms caused by bladder outlet obstruction.
Designed for durable results
Because HoLEP removes the obstructing tissue, it can provide long-lasting symptom relief for many suitable patients. Individual outcomes vary and some men may still need further treatment in the future.
No external cuts
HoLEP is carried out through the urethra, without an incision in the abdomen. This means it achieves tissue removal through a minimally invasive route.
Risks and side effects
HoLEP can be effective for suitable patients, but it is still an operation and can cause side effects. It is not suitable for everyone.
Possible risks and side effects may include:
- Blood in the urine
- Stinging or burning when passing urine
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Temporary urinary leakage
- Urinary tract infection
- Temporary difficulty passing urine
- Need for a catheter after treatment
- Ejaculation changes, including dry or reduced ejaculation
- Erectile function changes, although this is less common
- Narrowing or scarring that may need further treatment
- Symptoms not improving as expected
- Need for further prostate treatment in the future
- Bleeding that needs further treatment
- Anaesthetic-related risks
You should seek medical advice if you develop a high temperature, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, inability to pass urine, or feel very unwell after treatment.
Your clinician will explain the potential risks, benefits and limitations before treatment goes ahead.
HoLEP and enlarged prostate treatment decisions
HoLEP is one of several treatment options for urinary symptoms caused by benign prostate enlargement. It may be considered when symptoms are troublesome and assessment suggests that removing obstructing tissue is appropriate.
The right treatment depends on several factors, including prostate size, prostate shape, bladder emptying, symptom severity, medication history, general health and personal priorities.
Some men may be better suited to medication, a minimally invasive prostate procedure or another prostate operation. Your clinician will explain the options that are appropriate for your situation and why HoLEP may or may not be recommended.
Private HoLEP treatment near Newcastle
Tyneside Urology Partners provides private HoLEP consultations near Newcastle from its clinic in Team Valley, Tyne & Wear. The clinic serves patients from Newcastle, Gateshead, Tyneside and across the North East.
A consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss enlarged prostate symptoms, prostate assessment and treatment options in a specialist setting. Your clinician will explain whether HoLEP may be suitable and whether further assessment is needed before any procedure is agreed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is HoLEP suitable for a very large prostate?
HoLEP can be suitable for selected men with larger prostates. Your clinician will assess your prostate size, shape and symptoms before explaining whether it is appropriate.
- How long do HoLEP results last?
HoLEP is designed to provide durable symptom relief because it removes the obstructing prostate tissue. Results vary between individuals, and some men may still need further treatment in the future.
- Will HoLEP affect ejaculation?
HoLEP commonly affects ejaculation. This may mean dry or reduced ejaculation. Your clinician will explain this clearly before treatment so you can weigh it against the potential benefits.
- Will I need to stay in hospital?
A catheter is usually needed for a short period after HoLEP, and a brief hospital stay may be required. Your clinician will confirm what to expect based on your situation.
- Is HoLEP better than TURP?
HoLEP and TURP are both established treatments for enlarged prostate symptoms. HoLEP may be particularly useful for larger prostates, while TURP remains suitable for many men. The right choice depends on your prostate, symptoms and priorities.
- How long does recovery take after HoLEP?
Recovery varies. Many men recover over the following weeks, with urinary irritation gradually settling. Your clinician will give you specific guidance on catheter care, activity, work, driving and follow-up.
Ask about HoLEP in Newcastle
If you have urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate and want to discuss a durable laser treatment option, a specialist consultation can help you understand whether HoLEP may be suitable.
