We’re pleased to expand the range of treatments available for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at Ormiston Hospital, with the introduction of a high power thulium fibre laser system, the Olympus SOLTIVE Premium SuperPulsed Laser System, now being used locally for ThuLEP (Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate).
BPH, or an enlarged prostate, is one of the most common conditions affecting men as they age, and it’s something our urology team sees regularly. This new laser technology means more men across Auckland can access advanced, minimally invasive treatment close to home, without needing to travel elsewhere for this care.
What is ThuLEP?
ThuLEP sits alongside HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) as one of the most advanced treatments available for an enlarged prostate. Rather than cutting away prostate tissue with older transurethral resection (TURP) techniques, laser enucleation uses a laser fibre, passed through the urethra with no external incisions, to carefully separate and remove the enlarged tissue causing urinary symptoms. The tissue is then broken down and removed from the bladder using a mechanical morcellator.
The difference with ThuLEP is the laser itself. The ThuLEP is a thulium fibre laser rather than the holmium laser used in HoLEP. It’s considered especially useful for larger prostates, where a laser can remove significantly more tissue than older techniques allow, giving surgeons more options to tailor treatment to the individual.
Why It Matters
Due to its precision and strong coagulative (blood vessel sealing) properties, ThuLEP has been associated with a number of potential benefits for patients, including:
- Reduced bleeding during and after surgery, which can be especially valuable for men on blood-thinning medication
- Effective, complete removal of enlarged prostate tissue for lasting symptom relief
- Shorter hospital stays compared to traditional surgery such as TURP
- A faster return to normal activities
- Lower rates of complications such as infection or urinary incontinence.
As with any surgical technology, individual outcomes vary, and ThuLEP isn’t the right option for every patient. Our urology team will always assess your specific situation and discuss whether it’s a suitable treatment during your consultation.
Also New, The iTind Procedure
Alongside ThuLEP, we’ve also introduced iTind, a minimally invasive day case treatment suitable for selected men with BPH. A small device is temporarily placed in the prostate for five to seven days, gently reshaping the tissue around the urethra to improve urine flow, before being removed in a short outpatient procedure. It’s typically done under local anaesthetic, without any cutting, heating or permanent implant.
Together, the ThuLEP and iTind broaden the range of contemporary, effective options available to men in Auckland. From minimally invasive day case treatment through to advanced laser surgery for larger prostates, we can now offer both.
From Our Team
ThuLEP and iTind procedures at Ormiston are being led by our urology team, including A/Prof Kamran Zargar, who has subspecialty training in urologic oncology and a strong interest in minimally invasive approaches to urology care.
“We are pleased to expand the range of treatments available for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at Ormiston Hospital. The introduction of high power thulium fibre laser system now allows advanced laser prostate procedures to be delivered locally, reducing the need for patients to travel elsewhere for care. We have also introduced the iTind procedure, a minimally invasive day case treatment suitable for selected men with BPH. Together, these additions enhance access to contemporary, effective treatment options for men across South and East Auckland.”
– A/Prof Kamran Zargar
This continues the education on a topic our GP community has already been hearing about with Dr Zargar recently presented on modern surgical treatment options for BPH at one of our CME evenings, and the introduction of ThuLEP and iTind is a natural next step for us in bringing those modern options to our patients.
Interested in Treatment?
If you’re experiencing an enlarged prostate, or symptoms such as a weak or slow urinary stream, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying your bladder, please take the time to talk to your GP about a referral to our urology specialists to discuss whether ThuLEP may be a suitable treatment option for you.