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Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is rapidly becoming the gold standard surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and there is only one urologist in Utah County performing this procedure on men.
If you're experiencing significant urinary symptoms such as a weak stream, frequent urination, or incomplete bladder emptying, contact Dr. Matt Armstrong of Revere Health to determine if you're a candidate for this minimally invasive, highly effective procedure.
Want to learn more about HoLEP? Read below for more information on this procedure to determine if it might be right for you.
What is BPH?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate, is a common condition for men between the ages of 50-90 that can lead to bothersome urinary symptoms.
The enlargement can squeeze the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, causing various urinary symptoms. It is not cancerous and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.
While medications often help, many patients eventually require procedural intervention to permanently relieve obstruction.
Traditional surgery, like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), has long been considered the standard, but HoLEP utilizes more advanced techniques to improve outcomes and reduce complications.
What Is HoLEP?
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate involves using a high-powered holmium laser to remove the enlarged prostate tissue that is obstructing the urethra.
The tissue is then carefully morcellated and removed through the urethra—without any external incisions.
First introduced in the late 1990s, HoLEP has demonstrated excellent long‐term durability and low retreatment rates.
HoLEP can remove more prostate tissue than other procedures for BPH and can help address obstruction of the bladder.
Key Benefits of HoLEP
- Minimally invasive: There are no incisions, and it is done in an outpatient surgery center. Surgery takes between 1-3 hours, depending on prostate size, and you will go home the same day.
- Convenient with quick recovery: You will take out your catheter the next day at home. There are no restrictions after surgery, so you can return to normal life.
- Effective: The chance of needing another surgery or medication after HoLEP surgery is only 2% at 20 years. In contrast, 10-50% of men who choose a treatment other than HoLEP (TURP, Urolift, Aquablation, Rezum) may require another surgery or medication to help urinate within just a few years.
- Minimal impact on sexual function: HoLEP does not affect erections or penile sensation. Retrograde ejaculation may occur, but it is not harmful.
- Patient satisfaction: Most men report that if they had known what HoLEP was like and how it would change their life for the better, they would have done it years ago.
Anyone with BPH and bothersome urinary symptoms could benefit from HoLEP. If you have additional questions about this procedure, contact Revere Health Provo Urology for more information or to schedule your HoLEP procedure with Dr. Armstrong.
