Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is a revolutionary procedure for severely enlarged prostates. Dr. Lawrence Tsai is one of a handful of urologists in the country trained in HoLEP, and he’s right here at the Austin Urology Institute. We are the first in Austin to perform the procedure, and conduct over 100 HoLEPs each year.
Why is the procedure largely unavailable in most of the US? HoLEP is an extremely specialized procedure that requires intensive mentored training during a urology residency or fellowship. Due to the steep learning curve, there are very few urologic surgeons and institutions in the country currently teaching and performing this procedure.
Dr. Tsai has been very fortunate to train under one of these highly skilled mentors who has passed his technique for this game-changing procedure on to him.
HoLEP requires no incisions. It is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia by a trained and experienced urologist. A state-of-the-art holmium laser is used to enucleate (remove) the entire portion of the prostate tissue that causes blockage of urine flow and other troublesome symptoms. The tissue is then extracted with a specialized device and preserved in such a manner that it can be examined in the laboratory to search for other conditions such as prostate cancer.
Think of it like this: if the prostate were an orange, the HoLEP aims to excise the fruit portion and leave the peel behind.
Traditional transurethral prostatic resection
HoLEP Laser Operation
HoLEP has been recommended by the American Urological Association as a safe and effective treatment for men with BPH and prostate symptoms. While it may be used to treat a wide range of men with prostates of all sizes, it is especially advantageous in treating patients with severely enlarged prostates. Compared to other treatments, HoLEP…
You may not be a candidate for HoLEP if you have prostate cancer, bleeding problems, have had prior certain prostate procedures, or if you cannot lay on your back with raised legs for a prolonged period of time as this is the necessary surgical position.
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