Modern laser treatment for an enlarged prostate — excellent relief with fast recovery. HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) uses a precise laser to relieve troublesome urinary symptoms with less bleeding and a quicker return to normal life than traditional surgery. Dr. Anish Gupta offers advanced laser prostate surgery across Delhi NCR.
What is laser prostate surgery (HoLEP)?
Laser prostate surgery is a minimally-invasive treatment for an enlarged, non-cancerous prostate. HoLEP uses a fine laser fibre, passed through the urethra with no external cuts, to separate and remove the overgrown inner tissue of the prostate that is blocking the flow of urine. Because the laser seals blood vessels as it works, bleeding is minimal, and the removed tissue is available for examination to confirm it is benign. HoLEP can treat prostates of almost any size, including large glands that once needed open surgery.
Who needs it
Laser prostate surgery is considered when the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are affecting your quality of life or medication is no longer enough. It may be recommended if you have:
- A weak or interrupted urine stream, hesitancy or straining to pass urine
- Frequent urination and needing to get up repeatedly at night
- A feeling that the bladder never empties fully
- Repeated urinary retention, bladder stones or recurrent infections
- Blood in the urine or kidney strain caused by the blockage
You can learn more about the condition itself in our enlarged prostate guide.
How the procedure works
HoLEP is carried out under general or spinal anaesthesia. In simple terms:
- A slim telescope (resectoscope) is passed gently along the urethra — there are no external incisions.
- The laser separates the enlarged inner prostate tissue from its outer shell, much like removing the segments from an orange peel.
- The freed tissue is pushed into the bladder and removed, and the laser seals blood vessels to keep bleeding to a minimum.
- A catheter is placed for a short time to allow the area to settle and urine to drain clearly.
Benefits
- Excellent, long-lasting relief of urinary symptoms
- Much less bleeding than traditional prostate surgery
- Suitable for prostates of all sizes, including very large glands
- A shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal life
- Tissue is preserved for testing to confirm it is benign
- A low chance of needing repeat treatment in the future
Recovery and aftercare
Most men have a short hospital stay and go home once the catheter is removed and urine is flowing freely. It is normal to notice some mild burning or a little blood in the urine for a couple of weeks as the area heals; drinking plenty of water helps. You should avoid heavy lifting, straining and vigorous exercise for a few weeks, and Dr. Anish Gupta will give clear aftercare advice. Many men notice a stronger stream almost immediately, with full benefit as healing completes.
Risks and safety
HoLEP is very safe in experienced hands. As with any procedure there are small risks — temporary burning on passing urine, some blood in the urine, or a short-lived urinary infection — which are uncommon and easily managed. A common and expected effect is retrograde (dry) ejaculation, where semen passes back into the bladder; this does not harm you but can affect fertility, and Dr. Anish Gupta will discuss this fully beforehand.
Why choose Dr. Anish Gupta
Dr. Anish Gupta is a Consultant Urologist & Andrologist with more than 20 years' experience and a special interest in endo-urology and laser prostate surgery. Qualified with MBBS, MS and DNB (Urology), he uses advanced minimally-invasive techniques to deliver lasting results with the gentlest possible recovery, at three convenient locations across Delhi NCR — Ashok Vihar, Rohini and Karol Bagh.
Frequently asked questions
Is HoLEP better than traditional prostate surgery?
For most men HoLEP offers less bleeding, a shorter hospital stay and a lower chance of needing repeat treatment, and it can handle prostates of any size. The best option for you depends on your prostate and general health, which is assessed at consultation.
Will laser prostate surgery affect my sex life?
Erections are usually preserved, but most men experience retrograde ejaculation afterwards, meaning little or no semen is released during orgasm. This is harmless but can affect fertility, so it is discussed carefully before surgery.
How soon will I recover after HoLEP?
Many men notice a stronger urine stream very quickly and return to light activity within one to two weeks, avoiding heavy lifting for a little longer. Some mild burning or blood in the urine during healing is normal and settles on its own.
Does laser prostate surgery treat prostate cancer?
No. HoLEP treats a benign enlarged prostate, not cancer. However, the tissue removed is examined under the microscope, which occasionally detects an early cancer, allowing it to be managed promptly.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs — and if the honest answer is that you don't need a procedure, you'll hear that too.