A quick guide to greenlight laser prostatectomy

Greenlight laser prostatectomy (GLLP) is a treatment that can help patients pass urine. In his latest online article, renowned consultant urological surgeon Mr Marcus Cumberbatch offers his expert insight into this treatment. He explains how the procedure works, when it is required and the recovery time among other interesting points.

What is green light laser prostate surgery?

Greenlight laser prostatectomy (GLLP) is an operation performed to improve the ability of men to pass urine. GLLP helps to widen the waterpipe and reduce the blockage caused by a large prostate. GLLP is a novel operation, that has largely replaced the traditional cautery (TURP) operation used to help men with this issue. GLLP uses a green laser to vaporise (remove) the excess prostate.

When is it required?

As men get older, the prostate often enlarges. This is a benign (non-cancerous) growth. Sometimes, this growth results in a partial blockage of urine exiting the bladder when we pee. As such, men may experience frequent trips to the toilet, getting up at night to pee, poor stream and emptying. In more severe cases, men may suffer infections or bladder stones. Occasionally, men end up with a catheter.

How long does it take, and is it safe/painful?

Men can expect a 1-hour procedure, and to be able to return home the same day (day case). A catheter is worn for 3-5 days. One of the chief benefits of the GLLP is that the laser does not cause bleeding and therefore the operation is often more convenient and tolerated.

What are the associated risks?

The risks/side-effects of a GLLP include:

• Urine infection (5%)
• Retrograde ejaculation (reduced semen volume during orgasm, 50%,
• Scar formation in the waterpipe (2%)
• No improvement in symptoms (1%)
• Problems regaining control of passing urine (treated with retraining exercises, 1%)
• Anaesthetic reactions (<1%).

What is recovery time like?

Men will be home the same day or sometimes the following day. Driving and light activities can resume within 1-2 days. Once the catheter is removed after 3-5 days, men are normally able to live as usual. Men are normally asked to refrain from heavy lifting for 6 weeks. A clinic follow-up is booked for 6-8 weeks after the operation to check symptoms have improved.

Mr Marcus Cumberbatch is a highly experienced consultant urological surgeon based in Sheffield and Nottinghamshire. If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Cumberbatch you can do so today via his Top Doctors profile