Endoscopic Surgery for Prostate

TURP

TURP stands for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. It is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH can lead to symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and incomplete bladder emptying.

Here's an overview of the TURP procedure:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is usually given either general or spinal anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious or have no sensation during the surgery.

2. Instrument Insertion: A thin, tube-like instrument called a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra and into the prostate. The resectoscope has a light and a camera at the end, allowing the surgeon to visualize the prostate on a monitor.

3. Prostate Tissue Removal: Using a special cutting tool or electrocautery loop attached to the resectoscope, the surgeon removes excess prostate tissue that is causing the obstruction. The removed tissue is then flushed into the bladder and eventually expelled from the body.

4. Postoperative Drainage: A catheter may be placed in the bladder to allow urine to drain while the surgical site heals. The catheter is typically removed a day or two after the procedure.

Advantages of TURP:

• Effective Symptom Relief: TURP is effective in relieving symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty urinating.

• Minimally Invasive: TURP is considered a minimally invasive procedure as it is performed through the urethra, avoiding the need for external incisions.

• Short Hospital Stay: Most patients undergoing TURP can expect a relatively short hospital stay.

TURP is a well-established and commonly performed procedure for the treatment of BPH. While it is effective in improving urinary symptoms, it is essential for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider before undergoing the surgery. 

 HoLEP

HoLEP stands for Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate. It is a surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. HoLEP is an alternative to traditional surgical approaches like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and is particularly well-suited for treating larger prostates.

Here's an overview of the HoLEP procedure:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is given either general or spinal anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious or have no sensation during the surgery.

2. Laser Enucleation: A laser, typically a holmium laser, is used to precisely and safely remove the excess prostate tissue that is causing the obstruction. Unlike TURP, which shaves off tissue from the inside of the prostate, HoLEP involves enucleating or dissecting the prostate tissue out in small lobes.

3. Moricizine Procedure: The laser also coagulates blood vessels to minimize bleeding during the procedure.

4. Postoperative Drainage: A catheter may be placed in the bladder to allow urine to drain while the surgical site heals. The catheter is typically removed within a day or two after the procedure.

Advantages of HoLEP:

• Effective for Large Prostates: HoLEP is particularly effective for treating larger prostates, making it suitable for cases where other procedures might be less effective.

• Minimally Invasive: HoLEP is considered a minimally invasive procedure, and it can be associated with shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

• Reduced Bleeding: The laser used in HoLEP helps to minimize bleeding during the procedure.

HoLEP has become an established and effective surgical option for the treatment of BPH, especially in cases where the prostate is significantly enlarged.

Endoscopic Surgery for Prostate

Thulium laser prostatectomy, also known as ThuLEP, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms such as difficulty urinating and frequent urges to urinate. ThuLEP utilizes thulium laser technology to remove excess prostate tissue, alleviating urinary obstruction.

Here's an overview of the Thulium laser prostatectomy procedure:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is typically placed under general or spinal anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.

2. Insertion of Laser Fiber: A thin laser fiber is inserted through the urethra and into the prostate gland. The thulium laser emits energy that is selectively absorbed by the water content in the prostate tissue.

3. Prostate Vaporization: The laser energy is used to vaporize and remove excess prostate tissue that is causing obstruction. This process allows for precise and controlled removal of tissue.

4. Real-Time Imaging: The procedure is often performed with the guidance of a cystoscope, a thin tube with a camera, allowing the surgeon to visualize the surgery in real-time on a monitor.

5. Postoperative Drainage: A catheter may be inserted into the bladder to allow urine to drain while the surgical site heals. The catheter is usually removed within a day or two after the procedure.

Advantages of Thulium Laser Prostatectomy:

• Minimally Invasive: ThuLEP is considered a minimally invasive procedure as it is performed through the urethra, avoiding the need for external incisions.

• Reduced Bleeding: The thulium laser is known for its hemostatic properties, meaning it can coagulate blood vessels, leading to reduced bleeding during the surgery.

• Quick Recovery: Patients often experience a shorter recovery time compared to more invasive surgical procedures.

Thulium laser prostatectomy is one of the emerging technologies in the field of urology for treating BPH. It has shown promising results in terms of efficacy and safety.