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HoLEP for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a non-invasive surgery that uses a laser to remove tissue from an enlarged prostate due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). HoLEP may help if you have symptoms of enlarged prostate. These include: urinary frequency, urgency, getting up at night to urinate, incontinence of urine, difficulty starting your urinary stream, urinary retention, urinary tract infections, or bladder stones.

Is HoLEP right for me?

HoLEP is the only BPH procedure that can be performed on a prostate of any size. It is effective at treating patients with very large prostates, and can help if you retain urine, are prone to urinary tract infections, or have bladder stones. HoLEP is not recommended if you're unable to lie on your back with your legs raised (this position is held during the procedure).

Advantages of HoLEP

  • Minimal Bleeding and Minimal Pain 

    This procedure does not involve any incisions on the body and most patients don't require pain medications. 

  • Speedy Recovery

    Most patients do not require an overnight hospital stay; those that do are typically in the hospital for less than 24 hours. In 95% of cases, the catheter is removed the day after the procedure.

  • Prostate Cancer Screening

    Pathologists examine the removed tissue for any potential evidence of prostate cancer.

  • Exceptional Outcomes

    HoLEP has the lowest retreatment rate of any BPH procedure. It also has the highest likelihood of resolving urinary retention due to enlarged prostate.

Providers

  • Austen D. Slade, MD

    General Urology

    Biography

    Austen D. Slade, MD, MBA is the only fellowship trained HoLEP and benign prostate enlargement (BPH) specialist in Idaho and the surrounding states, he also obtained advanced training in the management and prevention of kidney stones. By dedicating his practice on these conditions, Dr. Slade is able to help patients find a tailored solution to their needs and offer the latest advances in these fields. Dr. Slade has extensive experience in HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) and is the first and currently only urologist in the country to offer MiLEP (Minimally Invasive Enucleation of the Prostate), which is a HoLEP surgery performed with miniaturized instruments to reduce trauma to the urethra and surgical side effects. He has published numerous research articles on HoLEP and kidney stone treatment and trains urologists seeking to gain these skills. 

    Dr. Slade was mentored through hundreds of cases by world experts in HoLEP during his two-year fellowship of endourology at Indiana University and was awarded the prestigious recognition as a research scholar by the American Urologic Association (AUA) for his work on male urinary symptoms and prostate enlargement. He is an author of the AUA’s “Surgical Treatment of Kidney Stones” core curriculum for urologists. 

    Prior to his medical education, Dr. Slade earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, graduating cum laude. He is an active member of the American Urologic Association, Endourological Society, and Society of Benign Prostate Disease. 

    Dr. Slade is known for his listening and thoughtful approach to understanding patient concerns and seeks to deliver the level of care he would expect for his closest family. Outside of the hospital he treasures time with his wife and kids and is an avid runner with his dog at his side.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

  • Michael B. Taylor, MD

    Urology

    Biography

    Michael B. Taylor, MD treats all aspects of adult urology with a special focus in benign prostatic hyperplasia, otherwise known as BPH or enlarged prostate. He was the first physician in Idaho to perform HoLEP procedures (Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate) and was the first physician in the Treasure Valley to be trained in Rezum and Urolift. These are all highly minimally invasive procedures. He trains other physicians in HoLEP procedures, given his expertise and extensive experience. In addition, Dr. Taylor performs vasectomies and treats kidney stones, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and urinary incontinence in males.

    Dr. Taylor received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University where he graduated summa cum laude. He then went to medical school at the University of California, Irvine where he was elected part of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and recognized with the Surgical Student of the Year Award. He completed his urology residency at the University of Utah and is a member of the American Urologic Association.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

Patient Experiences

  • David - Meridian, ID

    “The day after I came home from surgery (HoLEP), I felt well enough to take my dog on a several mile hike in the foothills. My lack of sleep, urgency, frequency, incontinence and extremely slow stream before surgery are now gone.”

  • Russell - Meridian, ID

    “My experience was truly outstanding. I was provided with all the information necessary to choose the appropriate procedure for me. It went extremely well and my recovery was fairly quick with very few, if any, side effects.

    I would encourage anyone weighing BPH treatment options to seriously consider HoLEP. For the first time in almost 30 years I am symptom and medication free. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Michael Taylor and his staff for that gift.”

Related Information

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