Laser enucleation of the prostate can be undertaken using a Holmium or Thulium laser. At Benenden Hospital we use a Thulium laser. This is known as Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate or ThuLEP. It is a highly effective surgical treatment for men with benign enlargement of the prostate and is particularly effective for larger prostates. 

The procedure is carried out under a general or regional anaesthetic. Your consultant will access your prostate through the urethra using a cystoscope, allowing them to remove excess prostate tissue with the laser in a precise and controlled way.

The treatment typically takes between one and two hours, and you will usually need to stay in hospital for two nights.

ThuLEP is highly effective because it allows a large amount of prostate tissue to be removed with precision. This leads to excellent symptom relief, and the results are known to be long‑lasting.

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and potential side effects associated with thulium laser treatment. These may include:

• Temporary mild burning, bleeding and frequent urination
• Bleeding requiring a blood transfusion or re-operation
• Continuing blood in your urine for several days after surgery
• Temporary short-term loss of urinary control which can be improved with pelvic floor exercises
• No semen is produced because it passes back into your bladder on ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation)
• Treatment may not relieve all your symptoms

Most people are able to walk the day after surgery, but it’s best to avoid strenuous activity while you heal which could be up to six weeks. Your consultant will be able to talk through the recovery process in more detail and answer any questions during your consultation.

Erectile dysfunction is uncommon after procedures for an enlarged prostate, including Thulium Laser treatment (ThuLEP). A potential side effect is that semen is not produced because it passes back into your bladder on ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation).