Gold Standard Treatment for Benign Prostate Enlargement: HoLEP

Reminding that, with the increase in the average life expectancy today, 60 out of 5 men over 2 years of age have benign prostate enlargement, Urology Specialist Prof. Dr. Faruk Yencilek said, “HoLEP, which we use in the treatment of this problem, provides a much faster recovery compared to similar methods with the minimum risk of bleeding and shortening the hospitalization period in patients.”

Prostate cell enlargement (BPH) due to the hormonal imbalance that occurs in the body with age is among the most common problems faced by men in the world and in our country. It affects about half of all men between the ages of 51 and 60 and 80 percent of men over the age of 90, according to statistics. Pointing out that benign prostate enlargement has become a problem affecting a much wider population, especially with the prolongation of life expectancy, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Chief Physician and Urology Specialist Prof. Dr. Faruk Yencilek said that Holmium Laser Prostate Treatment (HoLEP), which is used in the treatment of BPH, has become the gold standard treatment method today with the technology it has reached.

THE POWER OF THE LASER USED INCREASED

Stating that the HoLEP method has been used since the 1990s, Prof. Dr. Faruk Yencilek continued his words as follows: “When the method was first used, the energy of the laser was low. Enucleation was as successful as today, but it was not as successful as today in terms of bleeding control. Over time, laser technology has improved and the power of the laser has increased. Thus, the power to control bleeding, which we call coagulation, was increased. As a result, it has been widely used in all European countries and America in the last 10 years, and it has begun to be seen as the new gold standard in prostate treatment.”

IMPORTANT OPTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SERIOUSLY ENLARGED PROSTATE

Reminding that benign prostate enlargement is the most important cause of urinary difficulty, which occurs in more than 60 percent of men over the age of 40, Prof. Dr. Faruk Yencilek said that the situation can worsen as the age increases. Underlining that HoLEP is a method that can be applied to all patients with benign prostatic enlargement and requiring surgical intervention, Prof. Dr. Faruk Yencilek said, “Surgery may come to the fore in patients whose problems persist despite drug treatments, and it is also considered as the first option in the group with severe urination problems. HoLEP is a method that can be applied in this group of patients with benign prostatic enlargement and requiring surgical intervention. Prostates of all sizes can be treated endoscopically (closed) with this method. It is also an important option for the treatment of patients who are severely enlarged, as the entire part of the prostate that may prevent urine flow can be removed with this method.”

PROSTATE SIZE DOESN'T MATTER

Pointing out that in other methods used, only prostates up to 90 ml can operate. Dr. Faruk Yencilek, “Open surgery is recommended for prostate enlargements over 90 ml. However, HoLEP, which can be applied in prostate enlargements of all sizes, should be the first choice method for prostate enlargements over 150 grams.

RISK OF RELAPSE IS VERY LOW

It is also important for the patient, since the depth of tissue affected by the laser energy used in HoLEP surgery is very small. Underlining that, Prof. Dr. Faruk Yencilek said, “Therefore, it does not affect the nerves that travel outside the prostate and provide erection, and problems such as sexual dysfunction are not observed after the procedure. Since the structure called the sphincter, which provides urine retention, is protected by staying outside the area treated with HoLEP surgery, problems such as urinary incontinence are prevented after the procedure. As a result, it can improve urine flow instantly, have a short hospital stay, allow surgery when using blood thinners, and have a very low need for re-prostate surgery. It is possible to say that it is a patient-friendly method with its effects.”

CAN RETURN TO DAILY LIFE IN A SHORT TIME

Explaining that the patient can return to his daily life within 1-2 weeks after the HoLEP surgery, Prof. Dr. Faruk Yencilek, “In this method, the operation is performed by entering the urinary canal with an endoscope. Since no incision is made, the patient can return to daily life very quickly. He can start his job, drive a car. However, during this period, it is necessary to avoid lifting heavy objects, sexual and heavy physical activities. If I need to underline another point, there is no age limit for HoLEP used in patients with benign prostatic enlargement.”

MEN MUST CONTINUE ROUTINE CHECKS, EVEN IF THERE IS NO RISK OF CANCER IN BPH

Reminding that this method also provides the opportunity to analyze the prostate tissue pathologically after surgery, Prof. Dr. Faruk Yencilek said that this is also important in order to minimize the possible cancer risk. Yeditepe University Kosuyolu Hospital Urology Specialist Prof. Dr. Faruk Yencilek underlined that, contrary to what is known, benign prostate enlargement cannot turn into cancer and continued his words as follows: “There are 4 anatomical regions of the prostate scientifically. However, in practice, we are talking about 2 regions: the inner and the crustal region. For better understanding, if we compare the prostate to an orange, the fruit part and peel inside. Benign prostatic enlargement develops from the inner part of the prostate, and cancer from the outer part. Knowing this is important in this respect: Those who have undergone surgery for benign prostatic enlargement have the wrong opinion that because they have their prostate removed, follow-up is no longer necessary. However, this belief is extremely wrong. In all surgeries performed for benign prostate enlargement, the crust of the prostate is left in place and the inside is emptied. Therefore, it should be kept in mind that the risk of developing cancer in the shell part continues, and routine annual prostate examination should be continued”.