Thulium Laser (ThuLEP)

Istanbul

Thulium Laser (ThuLEP) in Istanbul is available at 3 hospitals in the Voumed network.

Thulium laser is a modern surgical laser used mainly to treat an enlarged prostate, a common cause of urinary difficulty in older men. Its best-known use is the ThuLEP technique (Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate), in which the overgrown inner prostate tissue is removed through the urethra with no external cut. A defining feature of the thulium laser is that it penetrates tissue only very shallowly, which allows extremely precise cutting and excellent sealing of small blood vessels as it works. The result is a minimally invasive treatment with little bleeding, a short recovery and durable relief of urinary symptoms.

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At a glance

Type: minimally invasive surgical laser for the prostate (enucleation)
Used for: benign (non-cancerous) prostate enlargement causing urinary symptoms
Key benefit: precise cutting with very low bleeding, suitable for all prostate sizes
Anaesthesia: general or spinal anaesthesia, no external incision
Where it is used: leading accredited urology centres abroad

What it is

The thulium laser is a precise surgical laser whose energy is absorbed by tissue over a very thin depth. This shallow penetration is a key strength: it lets the surgeon cut and shape tissue accurately while sealing tiny blood vessels almost immediately, which keeps bleeding low and the surgical view clear. In the ThuLEP technique, the laser is used to separate the entire enlarged inner portion of the prostate from its outer capsule, working through the natural urinary passage. Because the whole obstructing tissue is removed, rather than just trimmed, the relief tends to be long-lasting, and the approach works well even for larger prostates.

How it works

Under general or spinal anaesthesia, a thin telescope is passed along the urethra to the prostate. The thulium laser is used to carefully separate the overgrown inner tissue from the surrounding capsule, lifting it away in large pieces, while continuously sealing small vessels to limit bleeding. These pieces are pushed into the bladder and then broken into smaller fragments that are removed through the telescope, leaving nothing behind. A catheter is usually placed for a short time afterwards to support healing and drain urine. Most patients have a short hospital stay and notice a clear improvement in their urinary flow once they recover.

What it treats and who it helps

Thulium laser surgery treats benign (non-cancerous) prostate enlargement that causes troublesome urinary symptoms or complications, such as a weak stream, frequent urination, incomplete emptying or urinary retention. It is suitable for prostates of a wide range of sizes, including larger glands, and its excellent bleeding control can make it a good option for men who take blood-thinning medication. A urologist assesses each man's symptoms, prostate size and general health, and explains whether thulium laser surgery or another technique is the most appropriate choice.

Benefits and what to expect

The main benefits are precise tissue removal, very low bleeding, a short catheter time and hospital stay, and durable relief because the whole overgrown tissue is removed. Most men notice a marked improvement in urinary symptoms after recovery. In the early period, mild burning when passing urine, urgency or a small amount of blood in the urine can occur and usually settle. Some men have temporary leakage that improves with time and pelvic exercises. The care team explains aftercare, advises on returning to normal activities, and arranges follow-up to confirm a good result.

Frequently asked questions

These answers are general guidance and may vary by provider. Confirm the details with the hospital you choose.

Is thulium laser surgery a major operation?

No external cut is made. The procedure is performed entirely through the urethra using a telescope and the thulium laser, which makes it minimally invasive. It is carried out under general or spinal anaesthesia, with a usually short catheter time and hospital stay.

Why does it cause so little bleeding?

The thulium laser is absorbed by tissue over a very shallow depth and seals small blood vessels almost as soon as it cuts. This keeps bleeding low, which also makes it a suitable option for many men who take blood-thinning medication.

Is it suitable for a large prostate?

Yes. Thulium laser enucleation removes the entire overgrown inner tissue regardless of prostate size, so it works well for a wide range of glands, including larger prostates that might otherwise need open surgery.

How long is the recovery?

Most men have a short hospital stay and a catheter for a brief period. Mild urinary symptoms can last a little while as healing completes, and the team advises on when to resume normal activities and what to expect.

Will my symptoms come back?

Because the whole overgrown inner tissue is removed, relief is generally long-lasting and the risk of the obstruction returning is low. Routine follow-up confirms that the result is durable.

Does it affect sexual function?

The procedure relieves urinary obstruction effectively, and many aspects of sexual function are preserved. A common effect is a change in ejaculation, which your specialist explains beforehand so you know what to expect.