Greenwich, CT (June 2, 2025) – Greenwich Hospital has successfully performed its first Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) procedure, marking a major milestone in advanced urologic care for Fairfield and Westchester Counties. The landmark surgery was conducted by Christopher Bednarz, MD, urologic surgeon, Greenwich Hospital; assistant professor of urology, Yale School of Medicine (YSM).
HoLEP is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure that treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate—a condition that affects nearly 50 percent of men over age 60 and up to 90 percent over age 80. Using a high-powered holmium laser, the HoLEP technique removes excess prostate tissue causing urinary obstruction, offering a long-lasting solution with fewer complications and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgical options.
“This is a game-changer for patients in our community,” said Michael Karellas, MD, director, Western Region, Department of Urology, Yale New Haven Health, chief, urology, Greenwich Hospital; assistant professor of urology, YSM. “HoLEP allows for a more complete removal of problematic prostate tissue, reduces the risk of retreatment and significantly improves quality of life.”
With this inaugural procedure, Greenwich Hospital becomes a go-to provider for HoLEP in Fairfield County and Westchester Counties, bringing Yale New Haven Health’s academic-level expertise closer to home.
The expansion to Greenwich was spearheaded by the Yale Medicine Urology team and its director Dan Kellner, MD, associate professor, YSM. Collectively, Dr. Kellner and his team have performed over 1800 HoLEP procedures, making Yale Urology one of the busiest HoLEP teams in the US.
“This is an exciting development for men’s health in our region,” said Bob Blenderman, PA, president, Greenwich Hospital. “The adoption of HoLEP reflects our commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology and exceptional care to patients throughout Connecticut and New York.”
Isaac Y. Kim, MD, chief, urology, Yale New Haven Health; chair, Department of Urology, YSM, added: “Introducing HoLEP in Greenwich is a testament to the strength of our integrated urology program. We’re proud to see this level of innovation expanding across our health system.”
Patients suffering from symptoms of BPH—such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, or a weak urine stream—are encouraged to speak with their urologist about whether HoLEP is right for them.
Learn more about HoLEP and other procedures to treat urologic conditions at Greenwich Hospital Urology.
Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health. Greenwich is a 206-bed (includes 32 isolettes) community hospital serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. It is a academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Since opening in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service and patient satisfaction excellence. Greenwich Hospital has the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence. www.greenwichhospital.org
