HoLEP

Mr Brewin specialises in the HoLEP surgery and has treated over 350 patients using this procedure. He was the first surgeon in the Wessex region to introduce the procedure and he is a mentor to teach other surgeons this technique.

HoLEP (holmium laser enucleation of the prostate) is used to treat men with urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. Enlarged prostates may cause urinary symptoms (slow flow of urine, frequent voiding, the need to pass urine at night etc) or urinary retention. The laser is used to core out the inside of the prostate and reduces the size of the prostate so that it no longer blocks the flow of urine.

Compared with a traditional TURP a HoLEP causes less bleeding so most men recover more quickly; it is also slightly better at improving men's symptoms and bladder emptying compared with TURP. HoLEP is particularly good for treating very large prostates (>100cc) where other treatments are less effective. About half of patients are able to have a HoLEP as a day case operation, half need to stay overnight in hospital.

For detailed information on the procedure, the potential side effects and a video of the operation please see the BAUS website.