TURP versus HOLEP in the UK

Both procedures provide tissue for histology.

Recovery is definitely faster after Holep and Addenbrookes is one of the best hospitals for urology. £10K seems higher than the £5-6K I've seen while browsing forums and you may have to stay longer if anything goes wrong. I was booked in for 2 nights, actually stayed three due to post-op fever. The day after the surgery was the worst one and I can't understand people who walk home once the catheter is out.

Ask if they have a Moses laser or a Thullium laser which can shorten the procedure time.

If money is not an issue - then I can't think of any advantages of Turp vs Holep.

I guess you had an MRI, PVR test and flow rate test before deciding on a surgery.

You WILL lose the ability to have erections , ejaculate, and attain orgasm with TURP.

If those are of concern to you, highly recommend tge Rezum Procedure, where you will not lose those functions, but will decrease the size of your prostate. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for Rezum.

I was considering Nuffield Health in Cambridge but finally had it closer to me in London. Addenbrookes was not Covid-safe at that time.

You can google Tev Aho in Cambridge. I can also name several top surgeons in London if you are interested.

Regarding other posts: Rezum had been my preferred surgery until an initial consultation and reading through this forum. I wanted a procedure with the shortest recovery time and shortest time with Foley catheter. This turned me away from Rezum and towards Holep. Yes - orgasms are not much different from Tamsulosin times, but even after Rezum the probability of retro is between 5 to 30% according to different sources.

However, catheter was removed next day after Holep, a week later bleeding pretty much stopped and any burning sensation and minor incontinence were gone soon after. It would take longer after Turp.

BTW, you consent to a surgeon switching from Holep to Turp midway if he finds a reason to. Just like a pilot changing the route at his discretion in emergency.

Thanks Al, that's useful info. Yes I have researched Tev Aho's team and they come up as one of the best and highly regarded.

My local NHS trust does not offer HOLEP. NHS North Essex ( Colchester) have offered it to me and am on the list to be done. I wanted the least invasive/fewest side-effects procedure. My prostate is too large for Rezum. Urologist also notes I have a "stiff" bladder. Poor flow and approx one third urine retention. No UTIs in a a few years. Have had 12 years of medication and monitoring. Scans/ultrasounds/biopsies - nothing malignant. My symptoms are moderately inconvenient and I could live as I am. However, for a few years all the urologists have urged surgery and stressed the possible longer term complications, ie bladder failure, kidney disease and this might occur at an older age when surgery is more difficult (I am 71). That said, I am very concerned at the possible side-effects. Particularly do not like the references to longer-term incontinence in offcial leaflet. "Incontinence settles down in 80% of cases". What about the other 20% I asked. Was told the other 20% of cases can be "improved" by intravesical Botox injections or further medication. Seems to me improvement is not the same as total curing. So, I need to decide fairly soon but still uncertain whether to go ahead. Would appreciate comments.