Thulium Laser

ThuLEP (Thulium Laser Enucleation) is an advanced laser technology-based surgical method used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In this surgery, prostate tissue is completely removed with the help of an instrument (resectoscope) inserted through the urinary tract (urethra) and thulium laser energy. ThuLEP is an effective, safe, and modern option for alleviating symptoms of prostate enlargement and improving urine flow.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland enlarges with age. The prostate is a small gland located beneath the bladder that produces part of the semen. BPH can compress the urethra, leading to difficulty urinating.

Frequent urination

Difficulty urinating

Weak urine flow

Sensation of not fully emptying the bladder

Waking up at night to urinate

Sudden urge to urinate Urinary tract infections

ThuLEP surgery may be suitable for men with the following conditions:

BPH patients who have not responded to medication. Patients with urinary tract obstruction. Patients with bladder stones or diverticula (pouches) in the bladder. Patients experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections. Patients with very large prostate glands. Patients with bleeding disorders (such as those using blood thinners).

During ThuLEP surgery, the patient is placed under general or spinal anesthesia. Prostate tissue is removed with the help of an instrument (resectoscope) inserted through the urethra and thulium laser energy. The thulium laser is used to cut and vaporize the prostate tissue. The removed prostate tissue is broken into small pieces with an instrument called a morcellator and taken out of the body. At the end of the procedure, a catheter is placed in the urethra. This catheter allows urine to flow out and speeds up the recovery process.

ThuLEP surgery offers several advantages compared to other prostate surgery methods:

Effective and Rapid Tissue Vaporization: The thulium laser effectively and rapidly vaporizes prostate tissue, which shortens the operation time.

Minimal Bleeding: Due to the low penetration depth of the thulium laser into the tissue, the risk of bleeding is minimal.

Rapid Recovery: Patients are generally discharged quickly after surgery and return to their normal activities within a short period.

Applicability to Prostates of All Sizes: ThuLEP can be safely applied regardless of prostate size.

Low Risk of Complications: The risks of complications such as urinary incontinence, erection problems, and other issues are low.

ThuLEP surgery may be more expensive than TURP surgery. It requires an experienced surgeon.

Evaluations and Tests: Before the surgery, the patient's general health is evaluated, and a series of tests are performed. These tests may include blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests (like ultrasound), and prostate biopsy (if cancer is suspected).

Preparation Process: Before the surgery, the patient may need to fast for a certain period. Additionally, they may need to temporarily stop using certain medications. Your doctor will provide you with detailed information about the pre-operative preparation process.

Recovery Process: After the surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for one night. The recovery period varies from person to person but generally lasts a few weeks. During this time, you can use pain relievers and limit your activities by following your doctor's recommendations.

Urinary Incontinence: Urinary incontinence can rarely occur after ThuLEP surgery. This problem is usually temporary and can be corrected with pelvic floor exercises.

Sexual Functions: Sexual function problems such as erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation (semen flowing back into the bladder) can rarely occur after ThuLEP surgery.

Possible Complications: Rarely, some complications may develop after ThuLEP surgery. These can include bleeding, infection, urethral stricture, and TUR syndrome (a condition caused by the absorption of fluid used during surgery into the bloodstream).

As with any surgical procedure, ThuLEP surgery carries certain risks. These risks may include bleeding, infection, urethral stricture, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, and TUR syndrome. However, these complications are rare, and the risk is lower when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon. During your pre-operative consultation, your surgeon will provide you with detailed information about the risks of the surgery.