HoLEP — Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate

The reference surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, with rapid recovery and minimal risk of complications, according to urological literature data.

EAU Guidelines Reference Campinas and Indaiatuba Dr. Lukas Salles — Unicamp

The procedure

What is HoLEP?

HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a high-power holmium laser to precisely remove the prostate tissue obstructing urinary flow.

Unlike conventional surgery (TURP or open surgery), HoLEP is performed through a natural approach — with no external incisions — and allows complete removal of the obstructing tissue, regardless of prostate size.

The procedure is recognized by the European Association of Urology (EAU) and the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU) as the reference surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Educational illustration of the HoLEP procedure — holmium laser enucleation of the prostate

Indications

Who benefits from HoLEP?

💧

Weak urinary stream

Difficulty urinating, thin or intermittent stream caused by an enlarged prostate.

🌙

Waking at night to urinate

Frequent nocturia that compromises sleep and quality of life.

⏱️

Urinary urgency

Sudden, intense urge to urinate and difficulty holding back.

🔁

Incomplete emptying

Feeling that the bladder does not empty completely after urinating.

💊

Medication without results

Patients already on prostate medication without satisfactory symptom relief.

📏

Any prostate size

HoLEP is especially advantageous in large prostates, where other methods are less effective.

Important: Only a consultation with clinical evaluation, urinalysis, PSA, and uroflowmetry can determine whether HoLEP is the best indication for your case.

Why choose HoLEP

Advantages over other surgical approaches

Long-lasting results

The tissue removed by HoLEP does not regrow in the treated area. Urological literature reports low long-term reintervention rates.

Short hospital stay

Hospital discharge usually within 24 to 48 hours. Return to everyday activities within a few days, with no prolonged restrictions.

No size limitation

Works for small, medium, and large prostates — including cases where other techniques are not indicated.

Minimal bleeding

The laser cauterizes vessels while removing tissue, significantly reducing the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.

Preservation of sexual function

HoLEP has less impact on erectile function compared with open surgeries, representing an important quality-of-life advantage.

Tissue sent for analysis

The removed tissue is always sent for pathological analysis, enabling incidental detection of prostate cancer.