The BPH procedure menu
| Procedure | Best for | Typical stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TURP | Moderate prostates, decades of data | 1 to 2 nights | Gold standard; retrograde ejaculation common |
| HoLEP (holmium laser enucleation) | Any size including very large glands | 1 night | Durable; needs a surgeon with specific training |
| Bipolar / plasma vaporization | Small to moderate glands | 0 to 1 night | Less bleeding than classic TURP |
| Rezum (water vapor) | Small to moderate, men who want to preserve ejaculation | Office / day case | Slower improvement over weeks |
| UroLift | Small to moderate without a large median lobe | Office / day case | Fast recovery; device cost drives price |
| Simple prostatectomy (open or robotic) | Very large glands where HoLEP is unavailable | 2 to 4 nights | Bigger surgery, longer recovery |
Not every option is available at every Colombian hospital. HoLEP requires both a holmium laser and a surgeon trained in enucleation; it is available at a smaller number of centers in Bogotá and Medellín. Rezum and UroLift depend on device supply and are offered by a limited number of urologists. TURP and bipolar vaporization are available essentially everywhere.
What BPH surgery costs in Colombia
Most US men over 65 have Medicare coverage for BPH surgery, so the Colombia comparison is most relevant for men under 65 on high-deductible plans, uninsured men, and Canadians facing long waits. Colombia's health system was ranked #1 in the Western Hemisphere and #22 globally in the WHO's 2000 World Health Report, and urology is a mature specialty in its private hospitals.
Before you book: rule out the things that change the plan
- A recent PSA and, if elevated, a clear plan for how prostate cancer was excluded. Do not travel for BPH surgery with an unresolved PSA.
- Prostate volume by ultrasound or MRI. It determines which procedures are candidates.
- Uroflowmetry and post-void residual if you have them.
- Your blood thinner status. Several of these procedures require stopping anticoagulants, which needs a cardiologist's input at home.
- Whether you have had urinary retention or a catheter. It changes urgency and approach.
Recovery and flying home
TURP and HoLEP patients usually keep a catheter for 1 to 3 days, then stay in the city another 5 to 7 days to make sure they are voiding well and not bleeding. Plan 10 to 12 days total. Rezum and UroLift patients can often fly within 3 to 5 days. Blood in the urine for a few weeks is expected after TURP and HoLEP; a surgeon should give you written rules on when it is a problem.
How to vet the surgeon and the hospital
- Verify the surgeon on ReTHUS and check that the relevant specialty is registered, not just the medical degree.
- Confirm the facility is registered and habilitated in REPS. For anything under general anesthesia, prefer a hospital or a surgical center inside a hospital campus.
- If a hospital claims JCI accreditation, check the JCI directory yourself. JCI is hospital-level only; no individual surgeon is JCI-accredited.
- Ask for the surgeon's annual volume for this specific operation and how they handle a complication after you have flown home.
- Get an itemized quote: surgeon, anesthesiologist, facility, pathology, implants or devices, medications, and every follow-up visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is HoLEP available in Colombia?
Yes, at a limited number of centers with the laser and a trained surgeon. Confirm the specific surgeon's HoLEP volume, not just that the hospital owns the equipment.
Which procedure preserves ejaculation?
Rezum and UroLift preserve it in most men. TURP and HoLEP commonly cause retrograde ejaculation. Discuss this before choosing.
How long before I can fly after TURP?
Usually 7 to 10 days after the catheter is out and you are voiding well without significant bleeding.
Do I need to stop blood thinners?
For TURP, HoLEP and most laser procedures, yes. This must be coordinated with the doctor who prescribes them before you travel.