GreenLight laser prostate surgery

This type of surgery is a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as benign prostate enlargement or BPH. BPH is a non-cancerous condition that can affect men as they age, causing the prostate to grow and press against the bladder and urethra, which leads to a variety of difficult symptoms.

Common symptoms of BPH include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Urinary urgency or a feeling of incomplete emptying
• Urinary tract infections

If left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to more serious complications such as bladder stones, kidney damage, and urinary retention. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice.

GreenLight laser prostate surgery is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. The minimally invasive procedure should reduce or eliminate the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and a weak urine stream.

If you have been diagnosed with BPH and are experiencing bothersome symptoms, you may be a good candidate for GreenLight laser prostate surgery. Your urologist will be able to evaluate your condition and recommend the best course of treatment for you, which may include GreenLight laser prostate surgery.

At Circle Health Group, we understand that your health is important to you. If you are experiencing symptoms related to an enlarged prostate, your first step should be to seek professional medical advice.

During your first appointment with us, your consultant will take a thorough medical history and perform a short physical examination. They will want to know all about your symptoms and any previous medical procedures you may have had. We may need to conduct further tests, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, to confirm a diagnosis of BPH and rule out other potential problems. If necessary, we may also perform a prostate biopsy or imaging tests such as an MRI or ultrasound to get a better picture of your condition.

Your first consultation is important because it provides an opportunity to discuss all the available treatment options with you. We will take the time to explain the benefits and risks of each procedure, including GreenLight laser prostate surgery. We want you to feel confident in your treatment plan and ensure that you are making an informed decision about your health.

If it is determined that GreenLight laser prostate surgery is the best option for you, we will discuss the procedure in detail, including what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. Our consultant will answer any questions you may have and will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Once you're agreed on the best course of action, we'll get you booked in for treatment at a time that suits you.

GreenLight laser prostate surgery usually takes between one and two hours. The exact time may vary depending on multiple factors including the size of your prostate.

The procedure is most commonly performed under general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will discuss the best option for you and explain how the anaesthesia will work.

GreenLight laser prostate surgery uses a high-powered laser to vaporise the prostate tissue that is blocking your urethra. During the procedure, a small instrument called a cystoscope is inserted into your urethra and guided to your prostate. The laser fibre is then inserted through the cystoscope, and the laser energy is used to remove the excess prostate tissue. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis, so you can usually go home on the same day.

Recovering from prostate surgery

After the surgery, you may have a catheter to help you urinate. We will remove the catheter after a few days. You may experience some blood in your urine, but this should improve within a few days. You should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for a few weeks. Your consultant will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself after the surgery and what to expect during the recovery process.

Remember, every patient's experience is different, and your consultant will explain everything to you so that you can make an informed decision. If you have any questions or concerns about your GreenLight laser prostate surgery, do not hesitate to ask your consultant.

As with any surgery, GreenLight laser prostate surgery carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anaesthetic. You may also experience short-term side effects such as urinary tract infections, difficulty urinating, or blood in your urine. In rare cases, more serious complications may occur, such as bladder neck contracture, incontinence, or erectile dysfunction.

It's important to remember that no surgery is completely risk-free, but by choosing a highly skilled and experienced surgeon, you can greatly reduce your risk of complications. Your consultant will carefully evaluate your condition, your medical history and your overall health to determine whether GreenLight laser prostate surgery is the right option for you. They will also discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you, and answer any questions you may have, so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment.

A surgeon explains the potential complications of GreenLight laser treatment for BPH

Mr Anthony Riddick, a consultant urological surgeon at our St Edmunds Hospital, explains:

"Side effects are similar to those of TURP and include the usual risk of an infection as with any invasive procedure. However, GreenLight Laser ensures that there is much less bleeding than with TURP, and the laser procedure is considered less invasive.

"Typically, this means the hospital stay is shorter and recovery is faster. However, as with TURP, patients can feel a burning or stinging sensation for some time after the procedure and this may last for a few weeks. Men may pass some blood and occasionally small blood clots up to a month afterwards. This is normal and should cease without any need to see a doctor.

"The only significant potential side effect is almost certainly the loss of normal ejaculation. This happens because the contraction that occurs during orgasm may not completely block the entrance to the bladder once some tissue has been removed, and in this instance the semen will flow back into the bladder ('retrograde' or 'dry' ejaculation) rather than out through the penis.

"All risks will be discussed in full before you agree to the treatment."

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard and delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about GreenLight laser prostate surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in March 2023. Next review due March 2026.

1. Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - GreenLight laser vaporisation, Prostate Matters
2. GreenLight Laser Treatment of BPH, University of Virginia
3. Prostate laser surgery, Mayo Clinic
4. GreenLight Laser Proctectomy, HCA Healthcare
5. GreenLight laser prostatectomy, Cromwell Hospital
6. Green light laser surgery, Top Doctors