Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement, is a common condition that affects men as they age. It occurs when the prostate gland grows in size and presses against the urethra, causing urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms can interfere with daily activities and significantly affect quality of life.
Fortunately, men with enlarged prostate no longer need to worry about undergoing traditional open surgery. A modern and minimally invasive laser technology called ThuLEP is now available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, offering an effective, incision-free treatment option for BPH.
Contents
What Is ThuLEP for Prostate Enlargement?
Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The procedure utilizes laser energy to precisely remove excess prostate tissue, allowing better urine flow and improving the patient’s overall quality of life.
ThuLEP targets the enlarged prostate tissue directly and is performed through the urethra using a device called a cystoscope—meaning no external incisions are required. Compared to conventional open surgery, this procedure offers faster recovery, lower complication risk, and shorter hospital stays. Most patients can return to their normal activities within one to two weeks after treatment.
How Is the ThuLEP Procedure Performed?
Below is the ThuLEP procedure performed by doctors to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia:
- ThuLEP is carried out under general anesthesia and does not require any external incisions.
- The doctor inserts a cystoscope (a thin tube equipped with a camera) through the urethra to access the prostate.
- A thulium laser fiber is then used to vaporize and remove the overgrown prostate tissue (enucleation).
- The thulium laser offers high precision and delivers controlled energy, allowing tissue removal efficiently without damaging surrounding structures.
- The laser’s wavelength produces minimal thermal injury, leading to faster healing and lower risk of complications.
- The procedure typically lasts for about 2–3 hours.
- After the procedure, a urinary catheter is placed and usually removed within 1–2 days.
Advantages of ThuLEP Compared to Conventional Prostate Surgery
ThuLEP offers numerous benefits for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition to improving urinary function, the procedure promotes faster recovery and helps maintain quality of life, including sexual function.
Some of the key advantages of the ThuLEP procedure include:
- Rapid improvement of urinary symptoms
- High precision with minimal impact on surrounding tissues
- Minimal blood loss during the procedure
- Low risk of thermal injury
- Short hospital stay (typically only one night)
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
- Low risk of sexual dysfunction
- Long-lasting symptom relief
ThuLEP Specialist Doctors at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
The ThuLEP procedure at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is performed by an experienced team of urologists, including Prof. dr. Ponco Birowo, Sp.U (K), Ph.D, who has extensive expertise in managing prostate enlargement.
Prof. Ponco is a distinguished consultant urologist well-known for treating various urological conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia. He completed his medical degree and urology specialization at the University of Indonesia, followed by subspecialty training in andrology and urology.
He earned his Ph.D. in 2009 from Hannover Medical School, Germany, graduating with Magna Cum Laude distinction. Currently, Prof. Ponco also serves as a Professor at the University of Indonesia, actively contributing to the advancement of urology in Indonesia.
Conditions managed by Prof. Ponco include:
- Kidney stones (via RIRS, PCNL, and other minimally invasive procedures)
- Bladder disorders
- Prostate disorders, including benign prostate enlargement
- Kidney abnormalities
One of his main areas of expertise is the treatment of kidney stones using minimally invasive, incision-free techniques, such as Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), which are effective and safe for patients.
Prof. dr. Ponco Birowo, Sp.U (K), Ph.D is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Tuesday: 16.00 – 18.00 WIB
- Thursday: 16.00 – 18.00 WIB
Book an Appointment
If you wish to consult about ThuLEP treatment or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in general, you are welcome to visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
For your convenience, you can use the WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or download the Care Dokter app from Google Play and App Store to manage your visit, check queue numbers, and get complete information about our medical services.
