Mercy introduces advanced HoLEP procedure to treat enlarged prostate

Mercy Medical Center now offers Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), which is an advanced, minimally invasive surgical option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.

BPH is a common condition that can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent urination, weak urine flow, urinary leakage and difficulty emptying the bladder. This often affects a man’s quality of life and can also lead to serious complications, including kidney failure and the need for long-term catheterization. HoLEP uses a holmium laser to precisely remove excess prostate tissue that blocks urine flow without external incisions.

The HoLEP procedure is highly specialized and requires advanced training that is not widely available. As a result, only a limited number of surgeons across the country offer this procedure. More than 200 HoLEP procedures have been performed at Mercy to date.

Most patients who undergo HoLEP require an overnight hospital stay and use a catheter for less than 24 hours. Additionally, HoLEP recovery is typically quicker than it is with traditional methods and offers a more significant decrease in urinary symptoms compared to conventional alternatives. Because HoLEP is a lifelong procedure, less than 2% of men require re-treatment or medications after 20 years.

“HoLEP represents a significant advancement in the treatment of enlarged prostate,” said Dr. Matthew Smith, board‑certified urologist at Mercy Urology Clinic. “It allows many patients to achieve meaningful, long‑term symptom relief with minimal interruption to their daily lives.”

HoLEP is an option for men whose urinary symptoms persist despite medication, as well as for those with larger prostate sizes.

Mercy is proud to bring this specialized procedure to the Cedar Rapids community as part of its commitment to advanced, patient‑centered urologic care.