University Health doctor leading first-of-a-kind U.S. training for treating enlarged prostate patients
Today and Saturday, Dr. Ahmed M. Mansour, a urologist at University Health and UT Health San Antonio, will lead the first training of its kind in the United States for treating enlarged prostates.
About half of all men age 60 or older have enlarged prostates, which can block the flow of urine causing discomfort, frequent urination, difficulty urinating or other health problems.
Dr. Mansour is one of the foremost experts on holmium laser prostate surgery, known as HoLEP, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to remove prostate tissue without making an incision. A common surgical alternative, transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP, is associated with more blood loss, requires a longer recovery period and has poorer outcomes.
HoLEP is currently performed routinely and frequently in just two locations in Texas, including University Health, and in a limited number of other places across the country.
“HoLEP is currently the new gold standard for managing BPH,” said Mansour. BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia, the condition causing an enlarged prostate. “HoLEP is currently used in treating less than 5% of enlarged prostate patients because it is tough to learn,” he said, explaining the need for classes like the one he is leading.
During two days of instruction, Mansour will train a select group of 40 doctors from across the country as well as Mexico, Ecuador and Trinidad and Tobago. For the first time in the United States, physicians will learn HoLEP techniques through hands-on cadaveric instruction and by observing live surgeries performed in a University Hospital operating room.
Mansour hopes the training will lead to more patients throughout the United States having access to HoLEP treatment.
“HoLEP has a significant impact on the quality of life. Immediate improvement is noted after the procedure. There is less urgency to urinate and fewer trips needed to the bathroom at night,” he said.
