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When prostate enlargement obstructs the flow of urine, GreenLight Laser Therapy may be used. In a photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), or GreenLight, procedure, the surgeon threads a thin tube known as a cystoscope into the urethra and up into the enlarged prostate. Patients who undergo GreenLight Laser Therapy experience an almost immediate relief of symptoms, as well as an improvement in their urine flow. This procedure combines the effectiveness of a TURP surgical procedure with less risks and fewer side effects.
GreenLight Laser Therapy has been proven to have shorter recovery and fewer complications than traditional prostate surgery. Patients can be expected to return home the day of the procedure, and can resume their daily activities within a few days.
Candidates include men with symptoms of BPH who are looking for an alternative to medications, or traditional invasive surgery procedures. For patients who are advised to undergo surgical therapy to treat their symptoms, GreenLight is often highly recommended as it has fewer risks than the traditional surgical prostate treatments.
For patients who suffer from prostate cancer or malignant prostate diseases, other treatment options are available.
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The procedure is performed under anesthesia. Firstly, a telescopic camera known as a cystoscope and a thin, flexible fiber are inserted into the penis, through the urethra, and to the prostate.
Once it is positioned correctly, the surgeon looks through the cystoscope and administers a high power of laser energy that instantly and gently vaporizes the prostatic tissue. The surgeon continues this process until all of the obstructing tissue is removed, which allows the restoration of urinary flow.
Once the operation is finished, a catheter will be placed inside the urethra in order to drain the urine out of the bladder. This catheter will remain in place for 6 hours, or until the morning after your procedure.
Typically, the procedure takes about 1 hour. After the operation, patients are transferred to the recovery ward, where they are monitored for about another hour to ensure that there are no problems.
The procedure does not require patients to stay overnight following the procedure, but in some cases, it may be necessary. Patients typically only spend one night in recovery, then may return home the following day.
Once the catheter has been removed, patients may return to their daily activities within a few days. It is recommended that strenuous activities should be avoided for a bit longer.
Effective BPH symptom relief with minimally invasive and low risk treatments.
Potential risks can include retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasms), or in very rare cases, erectile dysfunction or a build up of scar tissue in the urethra.
Patients may also experience issues holding urine, which could be a result of the procedure or to changes in the bladder related to the enlarged prostate.
