How long does it take to heal after HoLEP surgery?

Written in association with: Mr Sarb Sandhu
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

In one of our latest articles below, Mr Sarb Sandhu, a highly reputable consultant urologist, speaks to us about HoLEP laser, including what it treats, and whether or not it is considered a major surgical procedure.

What is HoLEP laser, and what does it treat?

In some men, the prostate gland can become enlarged. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia. When this happens, it becomes quite difficult to urinate and a blockage of urine flow can occur. HoLEP laser is a minimally invasive laser procedure whereby blockages of urine flow are removed without any incisions being made.

 

When is HoLEP a suitable treatment option for a patient?

HoLEP is a suitable treatment option for patients when they have trouble urinating and they have tried medical treatment and other non-medical interventions for urine-related issues.

 

Is HoLEP a painful or major surgery?

An anaesthetic is required for HoLEP surgery. It takes about one hour and a half to do. The patient will have a catheter placed afterwards, and some patients can go home the same day. It is not painful nor very major.

 

What happens to the prostate after HoLEP surgery?

When you core out the prostate tissue that goes into the bladder, we use a special device to chop it up and suck it out through the penis, and then we send it to the laboratory. In the laboratory, they work out whether there was any big untoward in the prostate cancer.

 

A big wall cavity is then left on the inside, where you pour out the prostate, and that takes about six weeks to three months to heal. Once healed, the patient will have a good flow and won't suffer from any urine urgency.

 

How long does it take to heal after HoLEP surgery?

I always say six weeks to three months. Most people heal fully within two to four weeks.

 

Mr Sarb Sandhu is a highly revered consultant urologist. Consult with him today by visiting his Top Doctors profile

By Mr Sarb Sandhu
Urology

Mr Sarb Sandhu is a leading consultant urologist who specialises in bladder cancer, bladder problems and prostate cancer alongside vasectomy, vasovasostomy (VV) and prostate treatment. He privately practises at The New Victoria Hospital, Parkside Hospital and Kingston General Hospital Private Health, alongside the BMI Syon Clinic. His NHS base is Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. 

Mr Sandhu, who also specialises in circumcision, kidney stones and laparoscopic surgery alongside uro-oncology and laser surgery for the prostate, is currently the Chief of Surgery and Planned Care Division at Kingston General Hospital and St George's Hospital. 

Mr Sandhu completed his training at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, where he was awarded an BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry with Basic Medical Sciences and MBBS. Following this, he undertook higher surgical training in the North Thames Region and the Royal Marsden Hospital. He has gained international training experience in America, Egypt and Belgium, and has two fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons. Furthermore, Mr Sandhu has an MD in research into prostate cancer.  

Mr Sandhu's clinical work is a significant point of reference in his field, having been published in various peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. He has also presented his work at international conferences and is a member of many boards and associations, including the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), European Association of Urological Surgeons (EAUS) and British Medical Association (BMA). He is also a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS). 

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