What is GreenLight Laser Therapy?
GreenLight Laser Therapy™ is a technique that can treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition affects roughly forty per cent of men over the age of fifty in the UK, and involves an enlargement of the prostate gland.
This leads to blocking the urethra and to a thickening of the bladder tissue. You will consequently have trouble passing urine, as the urine flow won’t be normal, and it will stagnate within the bladder. That is why those who have BPH can feel like the bladder hasn’t emptied completely, feeling like they need to pass urine much more frequently.
GreenLight Laser Therapy has been studied to address BPH with a minimally invasive treatment that can be done at your local outpatient clinic. You will be under local anaesthetics (epidural or spinal anaesthesia).
What is it for?
GreenLight Laser Therapy is beneficial for people who have cardiovascular conditions or coagulation disorders as unlike with conventional surgery, there is no need to stop taking life-saving medications such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. People with an artificial pacemaker can have this procedure done as well, as there is no need to use an acusector (which would interfere with the artificial pacemaker).
GreenLight Laser Therapy can safely treat even the more enlarged prostates, something which could not be done with a minimally invasive procedure until a few years ago. With this technique, it is also possible to do a biopsy at the same time, to confirm or exclude a potential diagnosis of prostate cancer.
What does it involve?
GreenLight Laser Therapy is an endoscopic procedure. A laser fibre cable is inserted into the urethra, and a high-precision cytoscope eliminates the excess prostatic tissue by vaporising it. This technique ensures immediate coagulation of the blood vessels, thus reducing the risk of bleeding. The laser has a high-energy (180W) and a wavelength of 532 nanomillimetres.
Post-operative progress
After the procedure, you’ll stay in hospital for the night and you’ll use a catheter for the next twenty-four hours. You can go back to your daily life after a couple of days.
Thanks to the immediate coagulation at the operation site, the risk of a haemorrhage is minimal. The risk of impotence, recurrent BPA or urinary incontinence after this procedure is minimal as well, whereas these factors may arise as a complication after traditional surgery.
You will immediately see the results of the procedure and you can pass urine normally afterwards.
Alternative treatment options
Other treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia include:
10-20-2015 06-08-2023Green light laser surgery
Mr Marcus Cumberbatch - Urology
Created on: 10-20-2015
Updated on: 06-08-2023
Edited by: Sophie Kennedy
What is GreenLight Laser Therapy?
GreenLight Laser Therapy™ is a technique that can treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition affects roughly forty per cent of men over the age of fifty in the UK, and involves an enlargement of the prostate gland.
This leads to blocking the urethra and to a thickening of the bladder tissue. You will consequently have trouble passing urine, as the urine flow won’t be normal, and it will stagnate within the bladder. That is why those who have BPH can feel like the bladder hasn’t emptied completely, feeling like they need to pass urine much more frequently.
GreenLight Laser Therapy has been studied to address BPH with a minimally invasive treatment that can be done at your local outpatient clinic. You will be under local anaesthetics (epidural or spinal anaesthesia).
What is it for?
GreenLight Laser Therapy is beneficial for people who have cardiovascular conditions or coagulation disorders as unlike with conventional surgery, there is no need to stop taking life-saving medications such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. People with an artificial pacemaker can have this procedure done as well, as there is no need to use an acusector (which would interfere with the artificial pacemaker).
GreenLight Laser Therapy can safely treat even the more enlarged prostates, something which could not be done with a minimally invasive procedure until a few years ago. With this technique, it is also possible to do a biopsy at the same time, to confirm or exclude a potential diagnosis of prostate cancer.
What does it involve?
GreenLight Laser Therapy is an endoscopic procedure. A laser fibre cable is inserted into the urethra, and a high-precision cytoscope eliminates the excess prostatic tissue by vaporising it. This technique ensures immediate coagulation of the blood vessels, thus reducing the risk of bleeding. The laser has a high-energy (180W) and a wavelength of 532 nanomillimetres.
Post-operative progress
After the procedure, you’ll stay in hospital for the night and you’ll use a catheter for the next twenty-four hours. You can go back to your daily life after a couple of days.
Thanks to the immediate coagulation at the operation site, the risk of a haemorrhage is minimal. The risk of impotence, recurrent BPA or urinary incontinence after this procedure is minimal as well, whereas these factors may arise as a complication after traditional surgery.
You will immediately see the results of the procedure and you can pass urine normally afterwards.
Alternative treatment options
Other treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia include:
What are the benefits of green light laser prostatectomy?
By Mr Marcus Cumberbatch
2024-11-21
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. See more
What is the UroLift procedure, and how does it work to treat an enlarged prostate?
By Mr Edward Calleja
2024-11-21
UroLift is a minimally invasive surgical treatment designed to alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It's also commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate. This condition can lead to various urinary problems, such as frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, and a weak urine stream. Leading consultant urological and robotic pelvic surgeon Mr Edward Calleja takes a detailed look at this operation in this informative article. See more
Benign prostate enlargement: When is treatment required?
By Mr Nimalan Arumainayagam
2024-11-19
Revered consultant urological surgeon Mr Nimalan Arumainayagam shares his expert insight on the most common symptoms of the condition and explains the possible complications of the most serious cases. In addition, the leading specialist outlines the various approaches to treatment available for benign prostate enlargement. See more
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