In November 2023, Hennick Humber Hospital became the first hospital in the Greater Toronto Area to perform the Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) procedure to treat large benign prostate cases. Now, less than three years later, Humber’s Urology Program has reached an important milestone: successfully completing its 500th HoLEP procedure for patients in the community. 

A Minimally Invasive Surgery with Faster Recovery

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as “enlarged prostate,” is a condition that affects nearly all men in their lifetime.

HoLEP is a minimally invasive procedure in which urologists use a laser to eliminate extra tissue from the prostate that may block urine flow. They use specialized equipment to break down the prostate tissue into smaller pieces so they can be removed through the urethra.

Before HoLEP, men with larger prostates had to undergo an open prostatectomy, which involved making a four-to-five-inch incision in the lower abdomen to remove the prostate and surrounding tissue. This type of open procedure often led to increased medical risks, more blood loss, and longer hospital stays.

At Humber, HoLEP is performed by Dr. Olivier Heimrath, Dr. Luke Fazio and Dr. Livia Kit-Ying Lee.

Inspired by Hennick Humber Hospital’s success, other hospitals such as Mackenzie Health and St. Michael’s now offer the laser enucleation procedure.

Dr. Heimrath, who leads Humber’s HoLEP program, regularly hosts national Masterclasses in anatomic endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP), providing participating surgeons with expert instruction, simulation and live surgical demonstrations.

Hennick Humber Hospital presently has the largest volume of HoLEP procedures in Canada and anticipates completing more than 300 procedures this year.
 

A Minimally Invasive Surgery with Faster Recovery

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as “enlarged prostate,” is a condition that affects nearly all men in their lifetime.

HoLEP is a minimally invasive procedure in which urologists use a laser to eliminate extra tissue from the prostate that may block urine flow. They use specialized equipment to break down the prostate tissue into smaller pieces so they can be removed through the urethra.

Before HoLEP, men with larger prostates had to undergo an open prostatectomy, which involved making a four-to-five-inch incision in the lower abdomen to remove the prostate and surrounding tissue. This type of open procedure often led to increased medical risks, more blood loss, and longer hospital stays.

At Humber, HoLEP is performed by Dr. Olivier Heimrath, Dr. Luke Fazio and Dr. Livia Kit-Ying Lee.

Inspired by Hennick Humber Hospital’s success, other hospitals such as Mackenzie Health and St. Michael’s now offer the laser enucleation procedure.

Dr. Heimrath, who leads Humber’s HoLEP program, regularly hosts national Masterclasses in anatomic endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP), providing participating surgeons with expert instruction, simulation and live surgical demonstrations.

Hennick Humber Hospital presently has the largest volume of HoLEP procedures in Canada and anticipates completing more than 300 procedures this year.

Danny’s Story

Danny was a HoLEP patient who did not even consider alternate procedures.

“When I found out about HoLEP, I knew it was for me. It just ticked all the boxes. And once I decided to proceed with the operation, everything happened quickly.”

It took only six weeks from the first consultation phone call with Dr. Heimrath to the procedure itself.

When Danny walked into Hennick Humber Hospital for the first time for the pre-op, he was immediately impressed.

“It was pretty, clean and bright. People were friendly. It was inviting, even though I was going in as a patient.”

The procedure took place a week after the pre-op.

“From the time I checked in to the time I walked into the operating room, it was very quick and easy. The staff, nurses and team were fantastic. Before I knew it, I was in recovery.”

Danny’s procedure was completed within 90 minutes in the morning, but he stayed for several more hours so the nurse could monitor and take care of him.

“The nurse looked after me and she was amazing. I was home by 6 in the evening.”

The recovery involved using a catheter for a couple of days, which Danny found manageable. For the week following the procedure, Danny used an app on his phone to relay information to the nurses who were monitoring him. Danny’s care team also called him every couple of days, which Danny really appreciated.

“It took a good six weeks to heal, during which time I couldn’t exercise or lift anything. The hospital team checked on me on a regular basis.”

From Patient to Donor

Long before Danny became a patient at Hennick Humber Hospital, he was involved with fundraising. He started a charity called Best Buddies Canada 35 years ago, which pairs kids who have intellectual disabilities with students. It started with eight kids in the program and has since helped hundreds of thousands of participants. Danny was also a UHN Foundation board member for 13 years.

So, when Danny had such a positive experience at Hennick Humber Hospital, giving back to the hospital foundation made a lot of sense to him.

“I like to support programs and initiatives that make a good impact on the community. Everything about Hennick Humber Hospital is amazing. I think other hospitals can learn from it. I’m very happy I went there.”

Having found the hallways and patient areas calming and very nice, Danny and his husband Joe now sponsor a patient family area. “I felt comfortable and at ease and I want other patients and families to feel the same.”

Danny and Joe’s generous donation means the hospital can obtain new equipment and perform more state-of-the-art surgical techniques such as HoLEP.

Danny has also recommended the procedure to his friends. “I have one friend seeing Dr. Heimrath next week!”

Talking About Men’s Health

Danny is happy to share his story because to him, it is important to talk about men’s health.

“A lot of times men don’t talk about their health issues. They keep it all quiet and don’t want to mention anything. I just think it’s important to talk about it. The HoLEP procedure is fantastic and I want to get the word out.”

To learn more about the HoLEP program at Hennick Humber Hospital, visit HoLEP Prostate Surgery.

Join the MoMENtum

Beyond the HoLEP program, Humber River Health has a Giving Circle dedicated to men called MoMENtum.

A philanthropic initiative dedicated to empowering men who are passionate about advancing care at Humber River Health, MoMENtum is a male-led advisory group, with donors identifying and funding top-priority programs and equipment that enhance men’s health and well-being for men.

This group of like-minded individuals raise funds for a program of care aligned with their interests, which include Cardiac Health, Prostate Health, Healthcare Technology, Mental Health, Oncology, and other programs of care within men’s health.

Learn more at MoMENtum.