What is an Enlarged Prostate or BPH?

The prostate is a walnut-shaped organ that supplies fluid that carries semen. It is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder out of the body). As a man ages, his prostate may grow, squeezing the urethra and restricting urine flow. As BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, it is not life-threatening, however, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Symptoms of BPH include the urge to urinate often or suddenly, difficulty completely emptying your bladder and difficulty sleeping due to frequent urination. A HoLAP (Holmium Laser Ablation of the Prostate) treatment is typically used to alleviate these symptoms.

How is the HoLAP procedure performed? The Holmium Laser treatment uses laser energy to remove obstructing prostate tissue. After administering spinal, epidural or general anesthesia, your doctor will insert a catheter and a cytoscope into your urethra which enables them to view the bladder and prostate. A flexible fiber is then inserted into the cytoscope and used to vaporize the prostate tissue blocking the urethra. At the same time, the laser also seals the area being vaporized, minimizing bleeding.		Photo courtesy of Boston Scientific Corp.
The Holmium Laser treatment can usually be completed in an hour or less, rarely requires bladder irrigation and most patients can go home without a catheter after a few hours or an overnight stay. Relief from laser treatment is usually immediate, pain medication is rarely required and normal activities can usually be resumed within a few days.		Enlarged prostate before Holmium Laser Treatment
How to prepare for the procedure • Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to your treatment • Do not use any powder, deodorant, lotion or perfume on the day of the procedure What you can expect after the exam Patients will generally feel immediate relief from symptoms. Patients with small glands and no complications may have their catheter removed in the recovery room after the procedure. Patients with larger glands may have to stay overnight for observation and have their catheter removed the next day. Normal activities may be resumed within 2-3 days. A patient can usually return to work within 2 weeks, however, heavy exertion should be postponed for about a month.		Photo courtesy of Boston Scientific Corp.
		Prostate after Holmium Laser Treatment

Risks
Although minimal, complications can include:
• Urinary infections
• Occasional retrograde ejaculation
• Strictures

If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your physician immediately.

This information is provided to you as a public service, and is in no way meant to replace or supersede the information or advice provided from a qualified health care professional.

Frequently Asked Questions