HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This procedure utilises a holmium laser to remove the inner part of the prostate gland, providing relief from symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination and a weak urinary flow.

HoLEP surgery is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia through the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and does not require an incision. A laser fibre is inserted through a small telescope and used to separate the enlarged prostate tissue from its surrounding capsule. The fragments are then suctioned out through a small instrument called a morcellator. The outer capsule of the prostate is preserved along with the nearby nerves for sexual function.

Following the procedure, patients can expect a quick recovery time, with most patients returning to most activities within a few days. There may be some discomfort during the first few days after the procedure, but this can be managed with pain medication. It is also common to experience some urinary symptoms such as urgency and frequency during the first few weeks after the procedure, but these should resolve over time.