What are the benefits of green light laser prostatectomy?

In his latest online article, renowned consultant urological surgeon Mr Marcus Cumberbatch explains the benefits of undergoing green light laser prostate surgery for enlarged prostate. He explains whether or not the results of this procedure are permanent, and describes the ideal candidate for this treatment.

What are the main benefits of undergoing green light laser prostate surgery?

The main benefit of green light laser prostate surgery (GLLP) over a TURP (transurethral resection of prostate), is that patients don’t lose as much blood. This facilitates a same-day discharge, and no requirement for bladder washouts by the ward team. GLLP also uses saline (salt water) rather than stronger fluids during the operation to irrigate the bladder.

Saline has no side effects. The glycine used in TURP operations can cause severe brain swelling in some cases. As such, GLLP operations can go on for longer with no change in risk, this allows larger prostates to be tackled and more of the prostate to be removed in each case.

What condition/conditions does the surgery help with?

GLLP is used to treat enlarged prostate glands. The prostate is located between the bladder and the base of the penis and has a role in testosterone manufacture and helps make semen more liquid. As men get older, the prostate gets larger. This is usually a benign (non-cancerous) growth. However, this can result in difficulties passing urine and emptying the bladder. The medical term for this problem is benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and bladder outflow obstruction (BOO).

Who is the ideal candidate for this procedure?

Men who have been on medical (drug) treatment for BPH or who have required a catheter due to not being able to pee.

Will the results of the surgery be permanent?

Patients can expect long-term benefits from the surgery. Most men only require the operation once. However, occasionally the prostate can grow back and men may need a second operation (a re-do). This would normally occur many years after the original surgery.

Mr Marcus Cumberbatch is a leading consultant urological surgeon based in Sheffield & Nottingham. If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Cumberbatch, you can do so today via his Top Doctors profile.