TURP vs HoLEP vs ThuLEP: Understanding Your Options
When symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) become more significant or do not respond to medications, surgical treatment may be considered. Several procedures are available, each with different techniques and considerations.
Common options include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), and thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP).
Understanding how these procedures differ can help provide clarity when discussing treatment options with a healthcare professional.
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Overview of Each Procedure
TURP
TURP is a long-established surgical procedure that removes prostate tissue using an electrical loop. It has been widely performed for many years and remains a common treatment option for prostate enlargement.
HoLEP
HoLEP uses a laser to separate and remove the obstructing prostate tissue. It is performed through the natural urinary passage and is designed to relieve obstruction while preserving surrounding structures.
ThuLEP
ThuLEP is a similar enucleation technique that uses a different type of laser. Like HoLEP, it aims to remove the enlarged prostate tissue and improve urinary flow.