1500th patient receives specialist laser surgery
An important milestone has been reached by the Urology team at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) as Consultant Urological Surgeon, Mr Mark Cynk performed his 1500th specialist HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) surgery at Maidstone Hospital.
HoLEP uses a laser to remove tissue that is blocking urine flow. The very targeted procedure requires no incision and the laser seals bloods vessels efficiently, resulting in a faster recovery compared with other treatments. The Trust treats approximately 10 patients per week using this method, with 90% being discharged the same day.
MTW has an internationally-renowned HoLEP service, carrying out around 300 surgeries each year, and is one of a limited number of hospitals specialising in this procedure. The Trust is the biggest centre for this specialist surgical technique south of London and patients are referred from all over southern England, from Kent to Cornwall.
Mr Cynk, who leads the expert team, is a founder member of the Holmium Users’ Group and past Chairman of the Holmium Academy, which provide training and mentorship in laser surgery worldwide. He is one of the most experienced laser surgeons in urology in the United Kingdom, and the MTW Urology team have provided laser courses and mentorship for Urologists across the world, from South Africa to Ukraine, in this method of surgery. In doing so, the team aims to increase opportunities for clinicians to become familiar with the technique and make it more accessible for patients around the world.
At the time the 1500th procedure was performed, the Urology Department was hosting a visit by Mr Ali Alamiri from the Ministry of Health Kuwait, who hopes to perform HoLEP surgery in Kuwait in the future, under Mr Cynk’s guidance.
The Trust’s Medical Director, Dr Peter Maskell said: “It is really important that we maintain an exceptional standard of care, using innovative treatments which not only improve outcomes for our patients, but also improve their care experience.
“This is a fantastic milestone for Mr Cynk and our Urology team, and demonstrates their expertise with this specialist treatment. They’ve helped change the lives of a great many people and continue to ensure our patients benefit from the latest surgical techniques and the highest standards of care.”