Advanced Prostate Laser Treatment for Faster Relief & Recovery

Signs your prostate may need treatment

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that becomes common after the age of 50. As the gland grows, it squeezes the urine passage. Typical symptoms include:

• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Waking up two or more times at night to pass urine
• Urgency, frequency and a feeling that the bladder is not empty
• Straining or waiting before urine starts
• Repeated urine infections, bladder stones or blood in the urine
• Sudden inability to pass urine (acute urinary retention) needing a catheter

Mild symptoms are often controlled with medicines. Surgery is advised when medicines no longer help, cause side effects, or when complications such as retention, stones or kidney damage appear.

Laser options: HoLEP and ThuLEP

HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) uses laser energy to separate the obstructing part of the prostate from its outer capsule, much like peeling an orange. The tissue is then removed through the urine passage with no cut on the body. Because the entire obstructing tissue is removed, HoLEP works for prostates of almost any size and has one of the lowest re-treatment rates of all prostate surgeries. Thulium laser enucleation (ThuLEP) works on the same principle.

Compared with traditional TURP, laser enucleation generally means less bleeding, a shorter catheter time (often 24–48 hours), a shorter hospital stay, and safe treatment for men on blood thinners. The removed tissue is sent for histopathology, so hidden prostate cancer is not missed.

To read a detailed comparison, see our article HoLEP vs TURP for enlarged prostate.

Tests before prostate laser surgery

• Ultrasound to measure prostate size and post-void residual urine
• Uroflowmetry to measure the strength of urine flow
• PSA blood test and, where needed, MRI to rule out prostate cancer
• Urine culture, kidney function and routine anaesthesia tests

Recovery and what to expect

Most men stay in hospital for one to two nights. The catheter is usually removed within one to two days. Some urgency, frequency and mild burning are normal for a few weeks while the area heals. Avoid heavy lifting, straining and long drives for about four weeks. Most men notice a much stronger stream almost immediately.

Effects on sexual function

Erections are usually preserved after laser prostate surgery. Many men experience retrograde (dry) ejaculation, where semen flows back into the bladder. This is harmless but affects fertility, so it should be discussed beforehand if you plan to have children. As an andrologist as well as a urologist, Dr. Bivek Kumar discusses these effects openly before surgery.

Prostate treatment in Koramangala and Bellandur

Dr. Bivek Kumar offers laser prostate surgery at Superhealth Hospital, Koramangala (OPD Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm) and Nelivigi Multispeciality Hospital, Bellandur (OPD Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 7 pm to 8 pm; Sunday by appointment only).

More questions patients ask

Is HoLEP better than TURP?

For many men, especially those with large prostates or on blood thinners, HoLEP offers less bleeding, a shorter catheter time and a lower chance of needing repeat surgery. TURP remains a good option for smaller prostates. Your urologist will advise based on your prostate size and health.

Can the prostate grow back after laser surgery?

After complete enlargement removal by HoLEP, regrowth that needs another operation is uncommon. Yearly check-ups and PSA tests are still recommended.

Will I have urine leakage after surgery?

Temporary leakage or urgency can occur for a few weeks. Pelvic floor exercises help, and permanent leakage is rare.

Can I take my blood thinner?

Laser surgery is safer than TURP for men on blood thinners. Your urologist and cardiologist will decide together whether to pause or continue it.