Algeria performs first holmium laser prostate operations

Algeria performed its first holmium laser operations on enlarged prostates on Friday, at a National Security hospital in Algiers, where a Spanish surgeon led the work.

Algérie 360 reported that the operations were part of a two-day medical meeting organised by the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN).

Fernando Gómez Sancha, a Spanish specialist, led the operations and is one of the developers of the technique at international level.

What is the technique?

The technique, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate.

The surgeon puts an endoscope through the body's natural passages, without a cut in the belly. He then uses the laser to free the tissue that blocks the flow of urine.

The surgeon then removes the freed tissue in one piece, using the one-block method, or 'en un seul bloc' in French.

Who was trained?

The operations were broadcast by video link to doctors at regional National Security hospitals in Oran and Sidi Bel Abbès.

More than 100 Algerian urologists followed the operations live from the Mercure hotel in Algiers, in coordination with the Algerian Association of Urologists.

The directorate wants to follow the latest medical advances and benefit from international expertise. It also wants to improve care for its staff and for patients in Algeria.

The hospital belongs to National Security and treats its staff and their families first. The first operations took place within that framework.

Who is affected?

The condition is common in men, particularly after 50, and although it is not cancer, it needs medical monitoring to avoid some complications.

As men age, the prostate, a small gland below the bladder, can grow and squeeze the urinary canal, making it harder to pass urine.

The first signs mostly affect urinating habits, and they can become more troubling over time.

The most common symptoms are frequent urges to urinate, especially at night. Others include a feeling that the bladder is not fully emptied, and drips of urine after finishing.

These symptoms should not be ignored, especially when they keep coming back. They can also be linked to other urinary conditions, so a doctor's opinion is needed.

The diagnosis is made by a doctor, usually a urologist, who first asks the patient about symptoms and how often they occur.

Tests can include a rectal examination, a urine test and a blood test, which may measure the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

An ultrasound scan measures the size of the prostate and checks whether the bladder empties properly. The tests also look for other possible causes of urinary problems.

Treatment depends mainly on how strong the symptoms are, the size of the prostate and the patient's general health.

When symptoms are mild, monitoring alone may be enough. For more bothersome symptoms, the doctor may propose medicines or surgery.

The American Urological Association's guidelines describe the holmium laser technique as an option whatever the size of the prostate, if the surgeon has mastered it. The technique needs long training and specific equipment.

No announcement has yet said when other hospitals will offer the technique.