Prostate surgery and laser prostate surgery at Spire Bushey Hospital

Spire Bushey is one of north London and Hertfordshire’s leading private hospitals and we take pride in delivering high-quality care.

We have a team of expert urologists who specialise in men’s health and have wide experience of performing prostate surgery. Working alongside an excellent aftercare team, they’ll provide you with a treatment and recovery plan that’s tailored to your needs.

We offer fast access to consultations and treatments, in a clean, comfortable environment. The typical waiting time from diagnosis by your consultant (or a referral) to receiving prostate surgery is within two weeks.

We offer a variety of treatments for prostate surgery. Treatment choices available to you will depend on your condition and your general health. Your consultant will discuss which treatment is best for you.

The type of anaesthetic you need varies depending on the procedure you need. It may be:

• A general anaesthetic meaning you’re asleep – this is most often used
• A spinal or epidural – where you can’t feel anything from the waist down
• A local anaesthetic – you’ll be awake but you won’t be able to feel anything in the area being operated on

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

• A special instrument is passed through your urethra and a small, electrically-heated wire is used to trim small pieces of prostate tissue
• Performed under general anaesthetic
• You’ll need a urinary catheter for around one to three days after the operation

Holmium Laser Prostate Surgery (HoLEP)

• This is the best technique for very big prostates.
• A specialised telescope is passed through your urethra and a laser (Holmium laser) is used to shell out the inside of the prostate.
• Performed under general anaesthetic
• You usually need a urinary catheter for around one to two days after the operation

Transurethral electrovaporisation of the prostate (TUVP)

• Similar to TURP, but a rollerball instead of a wire loop is used to apply electrical energy to the tissue
• Performed under general or spinal anaesthetic
• A catheter is still required, but may be for a shorter time than TURP

UroLift (prostatic urethral lift (PUL) implants)

• Instead of removing prostate tissue, implants are positioned to hold your prostate out of the way and increase the width of your urethra
• This procedure can be performed under general or local anaesthetic
• Usually, a urinary catheter isn’t required

Prostate artery embolisation (PAE)

• Shrinks the size of your prostate by blocking the arteries that feed it
• Performed using local anaesthetic
• A urinary catheter isn’t usually required

Rezum Water Vapour Therapy

• Steam is injected into the prostate tissue which is then absorbed over time
• Performed using general, spinal anaesthetic or local anaesthetic as a day case
• You’ll need a urinary catheter for a few days after but will go home on the same day

Every treatment has its own benefits and risks which your consultant will explain to you during your consultation.

Getting here

Spire Bushey Hospital and Spire Bushey Diagnostic Centre are situated within easy access to the M1/M25 motorways, underground and overground train stations. We have free on-site parking for you and your visitors.

Your consultation

Your initial consultation will take place at Spire Bushey Diagnostic Centre located in Elstree, less than two miles from the main hospital site, which offers the latest facilities and diagnostics. Your consultant will discuss with you:

• Your symptoms and any particular urinary problems you’re having
• What the treatment options are, including alternatives to surgery such as medication and lifestyle changes
• Whether you need any tests or scans to help your consultant plan the next steps
• The potential benefits and risks of treatment

You may also need a pre-operative assessment with one of our specialist nurses to check if the procedure is right for you.

The procedure takes around 45 to 90 minutes. If you’ve come with a friend or family member, they’re welcome to wait in your room while you have your operation.

You’ll usually need at least an overnight stay – most patients stay for one to two nights. You'll have your own private en-suite room.

After your procedure, you may have a urinary catheter in place to help you pass urine. This is because your urethra will be swollen following surgery, which can make urinating difficult. It will be taken out when you’re ready to leave hospital.

Our nurses will provide you with medication to help you manage any pain following your operation. They’ll also give you advice about over-the-counter medications you can use while at home, and anything you should or shouldn’t do.

Your recovery time will depend on the procedure you've had and your overall health. Although everyone’s different and you should always follow your consultant’s advice, here’s a typical timeline for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) - the most common procedure: