Greenlight Laser Therapy Treatment
Most urologists recommend ablation—the surgical removal of body tissue—of the enlarged part of the prostate as the best long-term solution for patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This approach relieves the obstruction and incomplete bladder emptying caused by this condition.
Dr. Laub specializes in prostate laser surgery. Since 2006, he has performed more than 200 potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser procedures to treat men with enlarged prostates, as well as other conditions. He has also instructed dozens of urologists in the photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) laser technique.
How GreenLight Laser Therapy Works
During this procedure, state-of-the-art GreenLight™ Laser Therapy is used to isolate and eliminate the enlarged part of the gland that is pressing against the urethra and blocking urinary flow. A specially designed fiber is inserted into the urethra through a cystoscope, delivering precisely targeted, powerful laser light to specific sections of prostate, which is absorbed by the blood in those areas. The tissue inside the enlarged prostate heats up and is destroyed by the laser energy without damage to surrounding areas, creating a larger channel for urine to pass through.
Benefits of GreenLight Laser Therapy
Using GreenLight Laser Therapy significantly decreases the risk of blood loss during and after the procedure, compared to the traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgical technique, with comparable outcomes. Because the laser cauterizes tissue, blood loss is minimal and no bladder irrigation is required.
As with TURP, laser surgery does require a light general or spinal anesthesia. However, postoperative discomfort is minimal; patients usually go home that same day, unless other conditions necessitate an overnight stay. Other advantages of laser surgery include:
- Reduced risk of complications
- Minimal blood loss
- Typically no hospital stay
- Faster recovery time
- No post-surgical catheter required
- Decreased chance of erectile dysfunction
In most cases, patients enjoy rapid relief of BPH symptoms, including restored flow and the elimination of pain during urination or ejaculation (although this can sometimes last for a few weeks after the procedure).
At this time, Dr. Laub routinely performs laser surgery for enlarged prostate and only rarely performs the traditional TURP procedure.
Contact us for a consultation to discuss whether you are a candidate for GreenLight Laser Therapy.