As with developments in all fields, there are also various developments in the field of Medicine. The rapid development of new techniques, methods and technology day by day and the conveniences this creates in the medical world enable positive results to be achieved in the treatment of diseases.
One of these is prostate disease. HOLEP, or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate method, which is considered the newest and gold standard in the surgical treatment of prostate disease, which is described as benign today, is among the newest surgical methods in the urology department.
How is HOLEP Treatment Done?
In the HOLEP treatment method, laser is used to enter the prostate tissue, which grows and puts pressure on the urinary tract, making urination difficult, through the urinary tract, without making any incisions.
Advances in technology have led to such convenience in the medical world, and the cost of prostate-related surgical procedures performed via endoscopic method also varies.
Especially the conveniences in the medical world cause both doctors and patients in need of treatment to relax in every aspect and to receive treatment easily.
The fact that the HOLEP treatment method is soothing for patients makes it a preferred place in prostate surgeries and at the same time causes patients to wonder about the cost of this surgery.
There are many patients in need of treatment who are curious about the total price, including the hospital.
Three types of treatment methods are applied in prostate surgery. The first of these is open prostate surgery, the other is closed prostate surgery, namely TUR, and the last one is HOLEP.
Their costs differ from each other due to the different methods of surgery, the type of treatment, the duration of the treatment, the materials used and the process.
In other words, the pricing of an open prostate surgery and HOLEP treatment will of course not be the same.
While prices are high abroad, namely in the USA and European countries, this situation is different in our country. Fees for prostate treatments in our country are lower than in the countries we mentioned.
Less bleeding in HOLEP surgeries and shorter hospital stays compared to other treatment methods make the cost more reasonable compared to other open and closed surgeries.
The HOLEP device and consumables used in HOLEP treatment, as well as personnel training, require serious specialization. If performed by experienced specialist surgeons, HOLEP surgery appears as a more suitable treatment method among other treatments.
How Much Are HOLEP Surgery Prices in Public Hospitals?
Although TUR prostate treatment is known to be cheaper than HOLEP treatment, there is a possibility of repetition in TUR surgeries. The Social Security Institution (SGK) covers a small portion of benign prostate surgeries (BPH) treatments in our country.
However, all other private hospitals request additional fees from patients at different rates. In this case, it is not possible for patients with SSI to have open prostate surgeries, TUR and HOLEP surgeries in hospitals that have an agreement with the Social Security Institution, without paying any difference.
To briefly summarize the information we mentioned above, it is possible that there will be a price difference in open prostate surgery since patients stay in the hospital for a longer time.
The need for bleeding or blood transfusion is less or absent in HOLEP surgeries compared to open prostate and TUR surgeries. For such reasons, shorter catheter stays and shorter hospital stays make the price more reasonable. Your doctor can give you the most accurate information.
Does SSI Cover Izmir HOLEP Surgery?
The availability of SGK to cover HOLEP surgery in Izmir depends on various factors. First of all, whether this surgery is covered by SSI varies depending on the type of hospital. This surgery can also be performed in private hospitals with SSI agreements; However, private hospitals may request additional fees above the amount covered by SSI. The amount of additional fees may vary from hospital to hospital.
It is important to contact the hospital before surgery for the amount of additional fees in private hospitals. For HOLEP surgeries performed within the scope of SSI, the details of the patient’s current health insurance policy should also be taken into consideration. Finally, since SSI’s list of current health services and contracted hospitals is updated from time to time, in order to get the most accurate and up-to-date information, you should directly contact the relevant SSI provincial directorate or hospital before planning the surgery.
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How Do Private Hospital Prices Vary?
HOLEP surgery prices in private hospitals in Izmir vary depending on multiple factors. First, the pricing strategy adopted by each hospital plays an important role. This strategy is shaped according to the location of the hospital, the quality of the services it offers and the breadth of its facilities. The geographical location of the hospital is another factor that directly affects prices; because operating costs are higher in some regions. In addition, the level of technique and expertise required by the surgery, the type of anesthesia used and the complexity of the surgery are also factors that determine the cost.
Main factors affecting prices:
Hospital’s pricing strategy
Geographic location of the hospital
Quality of services and facilities offered
Type and complexity of surgery
Type of anesthesia used
When the surgery is planned
Time spent in hospital
Hospitals aim to offer patients a more comfortable recovery process, thanks to the special services and facilities they offer. These services are among the factors that often increase the price. On the other hand, logistical details such as the timing of the surgery and the length of hospital stay also affect the cost. Therefore, HOLEP surgery prices of private hospitals in Izmir vary not only according to the type of surgery but also depending on many variables. It is recommended that patients conduct detailed research before surgery and thoroughly evaluate the price quotes received from hospitals. This approach helps in determining the most suitable option in terms of cost and quality of service.
Prof. Dr. Gökhan Koç graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2000. After his graduation, he worked as a research assistant in the urology clinic at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital for 5 years and became a specialist doctor in 2007. He currently provides services in urological surgery in İzmir.