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Prostate Surgery in Colombia: Quality Care, Competitive Costs and Expert Urology
If you have already been told that you may need prostate surgery, being in Colombia can be an opportunity to move forward with your treatment instead of postponing it until you return home.
For international patients, deciding where to undergo surgery is not only about finding a lower price. You also need to know who will evaluate you, which procedure is appropriate, where the surgery will be performed, how much recovery time you may need, and what will happen after you return to your country.
I am Dr. Carlos Velásquez, a urologist in Medellín, and I work with patients who are already in Colombia as well as international patients planning their trip. I speak English and offer virtual pre-consultations in English, which means we can begin reviewing your case before you organize the medical part of your stay.
If prostate surgery is already part of your plan, Colombia may allow you to combine access to specialized urological care with costs that can be significantly different from those found in countries such as the United States.
Welcome to my blog Prostate Surgery in Colombia: Quality Care, Competitive Costs and Expert Urology
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Already Considering Prostate Surgery? Colombia Can Be Part of Your Plan
Many patients who contact me are not starting from zero. They may already have a diagnosis of benign prostate enlargement, have been taking medication for months or years, have experienced urinary retention, use a catheter, or have already received a recommendation for surgery from another urologist.
In these situations, the objective is not simply to repeat everything you have already done. The first step is to review your diagnosis and determine whether the surgical recommendation and proposed technique are appropriate for your particular prostate, symptoms and medical history.
Current European urology guidelines emphasize that treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic obstruction should be individualized. Surgical planning depends on factors such as the cause of the obstruction, prostate characteristics, symptoms, previous treatment and the patient’s individual circumstances. (European Association of Urology, 2026)
This article focuses mainly on prostate surgery for benign prostate enlargement or urinary obstruction. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your treatment pathway is different because decisions regarding radical prostatectomy or other cancer treatments require appropriate staging and an oncological evaluation.
Why Consider Prostate Surgery in Colombia?
For international patients, Colombia can offer more than competitive medical costs. It also provides access to specialized urological care, private healthcare facilities and the opportunity to plan treatment with direct medical guidance.
Medical costs can be considerably different from those in countries such as the United States, allowing patients to evaluate quality and affordability together.
Major Colombian cities such as Medellín have private medical facilities where international patients can access specialists and surgical care.
With Dr. Carlos Velásquez, you can discuss your diagnosis, previous studies, surgical options and recovery directly in English.
According to Colombia’s official tourism portal, private medical institutions in major cities provide access to specialists, and English-speaking personnel are available in many facilities. Colombia Travel, 2026
How Much Could Prostate Surgery in Colombia Save You?
This is one of the first questions international patients ask, and it deserves a transparent answer: there is no universal price for prostate surgery.
The final cost can change considerably depending on the type of procedure, prostate size, hospital, anesthesia, required tests, length of hospitalization, medical conditions and whether additional treatment is necessary.
However, available 2026 price references illustrate why international patients may find Colombia financially attractive.
Published international cost references show why Colombia may be financially attractive for patients considering TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), a surgical procedure used to remove prostate tissue that is blocking urinary flow. Prices can vary significantly depending on the hospital, medical team, anesthesia, tests and services included.
Average TURP price reported by Bookimed, with a published range of approximately USD $12,000 to $20,000.
Estimated average reported by MapHospitals, with a published range of approximately USD $750 to $1,800.
Mathematical comparison between the two published average prices.
Sources: Bookimed, 2026 | MapHospitals, 2026
What Type of Prostate Surgery Could You Have in Medellín?
Even when another doctor has already recommended surgery, the specific procedure should be confirmed before treatment.
Prostate surgery for benign enlargement is no longer limited to one technique. Options include traditional transurethral procedures and different forms of laser treatment. European Association of Urology patient information recognizes TURP, laser vaporization and laser enucleation among the surgical approaches available for benign prostate enlargement. Laser enucleation, for example, removes the obstructing internal prostate tissue and may be considered across moderate to very large prostate volumes. (European Association of Urology, 2025)
In my practice in Medellín, I evaluate minimally invasive and endoscopic prostate treatments, including Thulium laser techniques and GreenLight laser prostate surgery, according to the characteristics of each patient. My website also provides information about these prostate laser approaches and the possibility of virtual evaluation when the patient is outside Medellín.
The important question, therefore, is not simply “What is the newest prostate surgery?” It is:
Which prostate surgery gives me an appropriate balance of effectiveness, safety and recovery for my particular case?
That is what should be determined during your evaluation.
Prostate Laser Surgery May Be an Option for Selected Patients
For some patients with benign prostate obstruction, laser surgery can treat the enlarged tissue through the urethra, avoiding an external abdominal incision.
Depending on the technique, the laser may vaporize or remove the tissue blocking urinary flow. The European Association of Urology includes laser procedures among the surgical options for benign prostate enlargement, although the best approach depends on each patient. (European Association of Urology, 2025)
If you were previously advised to have TURP or another prostate procedure, your existing studies can be reviewed to confirm whether that option is still appropriate or if another surgical technique should be considered.
Start With a Virtual Pre-Consultation in English
If you are currently visiting, living temporarily or spending an extended period in Colombia, you may not need to wait until you return home to continue your treatment.
You can schedule an evaluation with me in Medellín at Torre Médica Oviedo, Office 689, Calle 6 Sur #43A-227. My practice offers both in-person and virtual consultations, and the official website provides these location and appointment details.
If your previous medical records are available, bring them with you or send them before your evaluation. They can provide valuable information and may prevent unnecessary repetition of studies, although additional testing may still be required when clinically indicated.
What Happens if You Are Already in Colombia?
If you are currently visiting, living temporarily or spending an extended period in Colombia, you may not need to wait until you return home to continue your treatment.
You can schedule an evaluation with me in Medellín at Torre Médica Oviedo, Office 689, Calle 6 Sur #43A-227. My practice offers both in-person and virtual consultations, and the official website provides these location and appointment details.
A Practical Route From Pre-Consultation to Surgery
For an international patient, prostate surgery should be planned as a complete medical process, not simply as an operating-room date. A typical pathway may include:
We discuss your diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatment, studies and surgical recommendation.
Your existing reports help identify whether additional evaluations may be necessary.
Your in-person assessment can be coordinated around your travel plans.
Your health status, prostate condition and suitability for surgery are confirmed.
The procedure is chosen according to your diagnosis and individual needs.
Your treatment is performed in the appropriate surgical setting.
Your urinary recovery, catheter management when needed and general condition are evaluated.
After returning home, virtual consultations can help maintain continuity during recovery.
Do Not Plan Your Return Flight Too Early
Your return date is an important part of medical planning.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns medical travelers that flying after surgery may increase the risk of blood clots and that continuity of care should be planned before returning home. The appropriate interval before air travel depends on the type of procedure, recovery, complications and individual medical risk, so your return ticket should not determine your medical discharge date. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026)
When possible, avoid purchasing a rigid return ticket before understanding the expected postoperative timeline for your specific prostate surgery.
If you are already staying in Colombia, this can be an advantage because you may have more flexibility to recover locally before traveling again.
What Should You Compare Before Choosing Where to Have Prostate Surgery?
Do not choose based on price alone. Compare the urologist, recommended procedure, hospital and anesthesia fees, required tests, expected hospital stay, postoperative care and follow-up after you return home.
Make sure your quotation clearly explains what is included and what is not. A lower cost is only a real advantage when it comes with the right surgical indication, qualified medical care, safe facilities and a clear recovery plan.
English-Speaking Urologist for International Patients in Medellín
Medical terminology is difficult enough in your own language. It should not become harder because you are receiving treatment abroad.
I speak English and can discuss your prostate condition, previous results, available treatments, potential risks, expected recovery and postoperative recommendations directly with you.
My office is located at Torre Médica Oviedo in El Poblado, Medellín, and virtual consultations are also available for patients who cannot immediately come to the office. The practice’s international patient information specifically includes virtual assessment before arriving in Medellín and virtual follow-up after treatment.
If you have already decided that it is time to address your prostate problem, your trip to Colombia can be an opportunity to evaluate whether surgery in Medellín is a medically and financially appropriate option for you.
Plan Your Prostate Surgery in Colombia With Dr. Carlos Velásquez
If another urologist has already recommended prostate surgery, you do not necessarily need to begin the process from the beginning.
Send your previous medical information and request a virtual pre-consultation in English. We can review your diagnosis, discuss the available surgical options and determine what would be needed to continue the process in Medellín.
The goal is not simply to find a cheaper surgery. It is to determine whether you can receive the right prostate surgery, with a clear plan before treatment and continued medical support after you return home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Surgery in Colombia
Can I arrange prostate surgery in Colombia before I travel?
Yes. You can begin with a virtual pre-consultation in English and share the medical information you already have. This can help determine which additional tests or evaluations may be required when you arrive in Medellín. A final surgical decision still depends on an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Does Dr. Carlos Velásquez speak English?
Yes. I provide consultations in English for international patients, including virtual pre-consultations. This allows you to discuss your diagnosis, treatment alternatives, surgery and recovery directly with your urologist.
How much does prostate surgery cost in Colombia?
There is no single price because the cost depends on the procedure, prostate size, hospital, anesthesia, tests, medical history and postoperative requirements. One 2026 international cost estimator lists TURP in Colombia at approximately USD $750–$1,800, with an estimated average of $1,275, but these figures are reference prices and not a quotation from my practice. (MapHospitals, 2026)
Is prostate surgery cheaper in Colombia than in the United States?
Published international price databases show a substantial difference. One 2026 source reports an average U.S. TURP price of approximately $16,000, while another estimates an average of approximately $1,275 in Colombia. The mathematical difference is approximately 92%, but the databases have different methodologies and package inclusions, so 92% should be treated as an illustrative comparison, not a guaranteed patient saving. (Bookimed, 2026,) (MapHospitals, 2026)
Which prostate surgery is best for me?
There is no procedure that is best for every patient. TURP, laser vaporization, laser enucleation and other approaches may be considered depending on prostate characteristics, degree of obstruction, medical history, previous treatment and individual priorities. Current European guidance emphasizes individualized treatment selection. (European Association of Urology, 2026)
Can I have laser prostate surgery in Medellín?
Laser prostate procedures are available in Medellín, and my practice includes evaluation and treatment with techniques such as Thulium laser and GreenLight laser when clinically appropriate. The procedure should be selected after reviewing your diagnosis and prostate characteristics rather than simply because it uses laser technology.
How long should I stay in Colombia after prostate surgery?
There is no single appropriate number of days for every patient. Your required stay depends on the surgical technique, catheter management, bleeding, urinary recovery, other medical conditions and how you are progressing after surgery. Your return trip should therefore be planned around medical clearance rather than a predetermined vacation schedule. The CDC also recommends that medical travelers consider the risks of flying after surgery and arrange continuity of care before returning home. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2026)
What happens after I return to my country?
Follow-up does not necessarily end when you leave Colombia. Virtual appointments can be used to discuss your recovery, urinary symptoms, medications, test results and questions after surgery. If an in-person examination or urgent treatment becomes necessary, I may also recommend evaluation by a physician in your home country. My international patient services include virtual consultations before travel and follow-up after treatment.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Medical tourism: Travel to another country for medical care.
Colombia Travel. (2026). Health & vaccines for travel to Colombia.
European Association of Urology. (2025). Laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostate enlargement.
Bookimed. (2026). Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the United States: Prices and packages.
MapHospitals. (2026). Prostate surgery (TURP) cost in Colombia.
Schedule Your Medical Consultation with Dr. Carlos Velásquez – Urologist in Medellín
