How Does Prostate Enucleation Compare to
Other BPH Procedures?
If you’ve been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you may be considering several surgical options to relieve your symptoms. Understanding the differences between prostate enucleation and other common procedures can help you make an informed decision about your care.
Prostate Enucleation vs. TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)
- Enucleation removes the entire inner portion of the prostate causing the blockage, while TURP removes only pieces of the tissue.
- Enucleation typically results in more complete symptom relief and a lower chance of needing repeat surgery.
- TURP may be better suited for smaller prostates, while enucleation is effective for prostates of any size, including very large glands.
Prostate Enucleation vs. GreenLight Laser Therapy
- Both procedures use energy-based devices, but GreenLight vaporizes tissue, while HoLEP (a form of enucleation) removes tissue entirely.
- HoLEP provides pathology specimens for analysis, something GreenLight cannot offer..
- Enucleation tends to offer longer-lasting results and may be preferred in cases of significant enlargement.
Prostate Enucleation vs. UroLift® or Rezūm™
- UroLift and Rezūm are less invasive and may be appropriate for younger patients with smaller prostates.
- These procedures don’t remove tissue, they compress or destroy it to relieve pressure on the urethra.
- While recovery may be quicker, they often have higher retreatment rates over time compared to enucleation.
- Enucleation is more suitable for moderate to severe BPH symptoms or larger prostates.
Why Many Urologists Recommend Enucleation for BPH
Prostate enucleation, particularly via HoLEP, is considered by many experts to be the gold standard for durable BPH relief. It offers excellent long-term outcomes, minimal bleeding, and a low chance of needing a second surgery.
Still, every patient is different. Your age, prostate size, symptom severity, and overall health will all influence which procedure is best for you.