Information on holmium laser prostate surgery for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Coimbatore: Urology specialists at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital shared information about Holmium Laser Prostate Surgery, which has been highly successful in the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). The Urology Department at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital has the first and only 100 Watt Holmium Laser Machine available in the entire Kongu region. Urology specialists have performed Holmium Enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP) for prostates ranging from 90 gm to 260 gm in an endoscopic surgery, with excellent results with negligible complications.

Prostates over 120 gm generally require open surgery for complete removal. One 260 gm, one 160 gm and one 140 gm prostate were successfully operated with HoLEP at the hospital, avoiding open prostate surgery. Open prostate surgery increases the risk of bleeding, post-operative pain, longer hospital stay, delayed return to work and normal life, as well as scarring of the lower abdomen of patients, all of which can be avoided with HoLEP. Patients taking blood thinning medications (antiplatelet drugs) for heart, nerve and vascular problems greatly benefit from HoLEP as these medications can be restarted the very next day. HoLEP is a boon for BPH patients who need surgery.

What should one know about Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

The prostate is a male accessory gland of 20 grams size located just below the urinary bladder and around the urethra. The prostate gland increases in size after the age of 40 years. The degree of enlargement varies from person to person; it is independent of diet and lifestyle.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

Patients with an enlarged prostate may experience one or more of the symptoms listed below. The symptoms are not related to the size of the prostate.