What is GreenLight laser therapy?
GreenLight laser therapy is a procedure used to aid in the treatment of an enlarged prostate, otherwise known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). The GreenLight laser helps evaporate prostate tissue that can restrict the flow of urine from the bladder.
Performed under general anesthesia, this surgery is performed by a urologist.
Who needs GreenLight laser therapy?
An enlarged prostate can cause a variety of symptoms that can impact your everyday activities. Frequent urination, prolonged urination, nocturia (frequency of urinating at night), and difficulty starting urinating can all have an impact on your quality of life. The use of laser therapy can help reduce these symptoms quickly so you can regain ideal function of your urinary health.
What should I expect during GreenLight laser therapy procedure?
During the procedure, a scope is inserted into your urethra through the tip of the penis. A laser is then inserted inside the scope and prostate tissue is cut or evaporated, removing the tissue blocking your urine flow.
It’s important that you follow the directions of your provider when preparing to have the GreenLight laser therapy procedure. Certain medications, such as blood thinners or nonprescription pain relievers, may be required to be stopped in the days leading up to the procedure to avoid excess bleeding at the time of surgery.
It will also be necessary for you to arrange to have someone drive you home following the procedure.
Following the laser therapy procedure, your provider will most likely prescribe you antibiotics to combat the possibility of a UTI.
What is recovery like after GreenLight laser therapy?
Recovery from the GreenLight laser therapy is relatively quick, and the results from the surgery are often long-lasting.
For the first several days up to a couple weeks following surgery, it isn’t uncommon to see blood in your urine or have a burning sensation nearing the end of urination or at the tip of your penis. These symptoms will get better over time as your body heals.
Your provider may require you to avoid strenuous activity following the procedure. These requirements will be discussed with you following surgery and will be dependent upon how you heal and extent of treatment required.
What are the risks for GreenLight laser therapy?
The risks for GreenLight laser therapy are minimal. With a quicker recovery time, lower risk of bleeding, and shorter hospital stays, GreenLight laser therapy provides efficient treatment for BPH.
When complications do occur, they can include temporary difficulty urinating on your own, UTIs, retrograde or dry orgasm (when semen is released into the bladder instead of the penis), and erectile dysfunction.
However, long-term complications from laser therapy are less likely than the complications associated with traditional prostate surgery.