The prostate is a gland found only in males. About the size of a walnut, the prostate has functions related to the male reproductive system. Despite common misconceptions, the prostate is not a disease but an organ. Therefore, saying 'I have a prostate' is an incorrect expression. What is meant by having a prostate is its benign enlargement. 
Problems related to the prostate are observed to increase after the age of 40. While benign prostatic hyperplasia is seen in about 8% of men in their 40s, this percentage significantly increases in their 50s. Statistics indicate that after the age of 50, one in every two men experiences the issue of benign prostatic hyperplasia. 
The exact cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is not yet fully understood, occurs with the enlargement of the glands located inside the prostate. This enlargement leads to the narrowing and compression of the urethra, which is located below the bladder. 

What Are the Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia are mainly divided into two categories. The initial symptoms are related to obstruction. As the prostate enlarges, it blocks the urinary canal, creating an obstacle in front of the bladder. In this case, the patient experiences complaints related to obstruction, such as intermittent or difficult urination, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. The second set of symptoms arises over time due to the changes the prostate enlargement causes in the bladder. In this situation, the symptoms manifest more as increased frequency of urination, waking up at night to urinate, a sensation of urgency, and even complaints of urinary incontinence. 
Which Diagnostic Methods Are Used to Differentiate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia from Other Diseases?  
The diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia primarily requires examination by a specialist urologist. Subsequently, a test called Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is conducted. Through the PSA test, the prostate-specific antigen is measured to assess the risk of progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms and to differentiate between benign prostatic hyperplasia and cancer. If an abnormality is detected in the examination or PSA analysis, an MRI of the prostate may be performed, and if necessary, a biopsy can be taken. Based on the results of all conducted tests, the appropriate treatment is initiated.  

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Does it Turn into Prostate Cancer? 

Prostate enlargement does not transform into prostate cancer. However, since the locations where both conditions develop are different, prostate enlargement and cancer can be observed simultaneously. Prostate enlargement occurs in the inner parts of the prostate, while prostate cancer develops in the outer layer known as the 'peripheral zone' of the prostate. 

What are the treatment methods? Are different medical treatments applied before surgery?

The treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia includes various options depending on the patient's condition. These can be categorized into three groups: observation, medication, and surgical treatment. Direct surgical methods are employed when the condition significantly affects the patient's daily life and quality of life. For mild to moderate cases of prostate enlargement, observation and/or medication may be recommended. In advanced cases, serious health issues such as inability to urinate, blood in the urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, and even kidney failure may occur. In such situations, a catheter is inserted to relieve the kidneys, followed by surgical intervention. 

What advantages does the HOLEP method offer to the patient compared to other closed or open methods in the treatment of prostate enlargement?

The HoLEP method is the abbreviation for "Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate," an abbreviated form of the treatment. The most significant advantage of HoLEP treatment is that it allows for effective and rapid recovery through a closed surgery without the need for any incisions. In other closed surgical procedures, residual tissue may remain due to the inability to completely remove the adenoma, leading to the patient being unable to urinate fully. Over time, residual tissue may grow, causing bleeding and recurring problems with urination. However, in the HoLEP method, since all the tissue is removed, there is no risk of disease recurrence.

Who is HoLEP Recommended For?

The classic TUR method is not recommended for prostates larger than 80-100 grams, but HoLEP can be applied much more successfully, especially for larger prostates. Additionally, there is no upper limit for prostate size in HoLEP. HoLEP can be performed even for patients with prostates ranging from 150 to 200 grams.