GreenLight™ Laser Therapy of the Prostate
If conservative treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and troubling urinary symptoms have been unsuccessful, a minimally invasive procedure using a GreenLight™ laser may be an option to improve urine flow. GreenLight laser therapy is an effective and low-risk procedure that uses high-power laser energy to remove the enlarged prostate tissue that is obstructing urine flow.
During the GreenLight laser procedure, the patient is sedated using general anesthesia. The surgeon inserts a scope with a special camera through the penis into the urethra, prostate and bladder. The GreenLight laser fiber is then passed through the scope. The GreenLight laser vaporizes the targeted prostate tissue, clearing the passage to improve the flow of urine. In addition, the GreenLight laser seals the surrounding blood vessels, which results in significantly less bleeding than that from traditional surgical methods for treating prostate problems. When the procedure is complete, a catheter is temporarily placed in the bladder to drain urine for about 24 hours. After the procedure, patients may experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with anti-inflammatory medication. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, and experience significant urinary symptom relief within 1 to 2 days.