GREEN LIGHT LASER THERAPY
How does the therapy work?
A high powered laser destroys surplus prostate tissue. In this way, an enlarged prostate that is blocking the bladder can be opened up. The laser vaporises excess tissue using safe and precise energy pulses. Blood vessels in the target area are also vaporised, which means there is very little bleeding.
Who can have Greenlight Laser therapy?
All patients with an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are suitable, including those on anticoagulants such as Warfarin. Some patients with prostate cancer can also benefit.
The procedure
The procedure takes an average of 60 to 90 minutes under general anaesthetic. A thin laser fibre is positioned within the laserscope and is passed up through the urethra to deliver the treatment.
Patients are often able to return home on the same day. If a urethral catheter has been inserted, it is usually removed after approximately two hours.
This allows patients to fully wake up from the general anaesthetic. Some patients with the most enlarged prostates have a catheter which is removed the day after surgery. Antibiotics are usually given at the time of surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
Benefits of Greenlight Laser therapy
There is very little blood loss compared with the standard operation known as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate). This means a quicker recovery for patients and in most cases, patients can return home on the same day without a catheter.
Recovery is also improved because patients are not anaemic and have not absorbed irrigation fluid produced during TURP which can cause the serious condition of so-called ‘TUR Syndrome’.
No tissue is available for histology following the procedure. It is therefore important that prostate cancer is excluded by a urologist prior to Greenlight Laser treatment.
Experience of Greenlight Laser
Greenlight Laser was first performed in the UK in October 2002 and approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in May 2005. Studies shown there is no increase in the need for repeat procedures following Greenlight Laser and much reduced side effects. Leading centres such as Kings College Hospital in London no longer perform TURP which has now been replaced by Greenlight Laser.