Laser Enucleation of the Prostate is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a high-powered laser to remove excess prostate tissue causing urinary symptoms associated with BPH. 

One of the primary benefits of LEP is that it can be performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing the patient to return home the same day. It also offers a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few days.

Some of the advantages of LEP include:

• Minimally invasive (endoscopic)
• Reduced blood loss and faster recovery
• Preservation of sexual function in most cases
• Long-lasting results with low retreatment rates
• Suitable for prostates of all sizes

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. BPH is so common that more than 70% of men ages 60 and over have symptoms. While BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can negatively affect a man’s quality of life.

The prostate is a male reproductive gland that’s about the size of a walnut. It produces the fluid for semen. The prostate surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As the prostate enlarges with BPH, it presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms and pain.

Prostate gland enlargement varies in severity but tends to gradually worsen over time if left untreated.

Symptoms of BPH include:

• Weak urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Stopping and starting while urinating
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
• Straining while urinating
• Not being able to completely empty the bladder
• Urinary tract infections
• Formation of stones in the bladder
• Reduced kidney function

Many individuals notice BPH symptoms. If you don’t, your physician may find prostate enlargement by performing a digital rectal examination (DRE) or during other urological checkups. If you’ve been diagnosed with BPH or have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, schedule an appointment with Z Urology today.

Here is a detailed step-by-step list of what to expect during the LEP procedure.

1. Anesthesia: The patient receives either general or spinal anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable throughout the procedure.
2. Cystoscopy: A cystoscope is inserted into the urethra to visualize the prostate and the bladder. 
3. Laser Fiber Insertion: A laser fiber is inserted through the cystoscope and into the prostate gland. This laser fiber is used to enucleate or remove excess tissue from the prostate gland.
4. Enucleation: The laser fiber is used to carefully separate the excess tissue from the prostate gland without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. The enucleated tissue is then removed from the body through the scope.
5. Hemostasis: The laser cauterizes blood vessels to prevent bleeding during and after the procedure.
6. Catheter Placement: A catheter will be placed in the urethra to help it heal properly and prevent any complications.
7. Recovery: After the procedure, the patient is monitored briefly for excessive bleeding, pain, and anesthesia concerns before discharge home. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage any discomfort or prevent infections.

If you are suffering from BPH, speak with your urologist to determine if LEP is the right treatment option for you.

LEP is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with BPH who are experiencing urinary symptoms. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, providing excellent outcomes with fewer risks and complications. If you are suffering from BPH symptoms, contact Z Urology to learn more about the benefits of laser enucleation of the prostate.