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Urology - Prostate Surgery
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The Operation
HOLMIUM LASER Prostatectomy (HOLRP) is evolving into the "Gold Standard" for benign prostatic obstruction.
Length Of Operation
Usually one hour but this can vary depending on the size of your prostate.
Hospital Stay
The hospital stay is significantly less with the laser resection (HOLRP); normally just an overnight stay compared to 3 or 4 days with the “TURP”.
Risks / Side Effects
There is very little bleeding with laser resection (HOLRP), whereas the risk of blood transfusion with “TURP” is between 5 and 10%. The recovery time with laser technique is also quicker. Patients normally only need a catheter for 1 day after surgery, rather than 3 to 4 days as with the “TURP”.
The risk of bleeding after discharge home is also less with the laser technique. In about 5% of cases with the “TURP” there is heavy bleeding, sometimes requiring replacement of the catheter.
Please do not hesitate to phone me any time if you feel there is a blockage present.
“Late failure” of the procedure, the very small chance of the procedure not working and development of strictures: equivalent in both the laser technique and the “TURP”.
Anaesthetic
Both the laser technique and the “TURP” are performed under either a spinal or a general anaesthetic and there is very little pain felt following the procedures.
Costs
The costs of both techniques are similar.
* If insured, patients should obtain prior approval from their insurance company to check cover, for both the “TURP” and laser resection (HOLRP). |
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