Prostate issues such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer can significantly affect the quality of life. Thankfully, laser treatment for prostate has emerged as a cutting-edge solution, offering numerous benefits for patients. It is a minimally invasive medical procedure designed to address prostate-related issues. It utilizes the precision of laser technology to target and alleviate prostate-related symptoms, ultimately improving a patient’s quality of life. This procedure is also known as laser prostatectomy or laser therapy.
What Are The Different Types Of Laser Treatment For Prostate?
- Laser Vaporization (GreenLight Laser): This technique employs a green laser to vaporize and remove excess prostate tissue, relieving symptoms associated with BPH. It offers shorter recovery times and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional surgical methods.
- Holmium Laser Enucleation (HoLEP): HoLEP is an effective treatment option for both BPH and small to moderate-sized prostate cancers. It involves the removal of prostate tissue using a holmium laser, ensuring long-lasting relief from urinary symptoms.
How Is Laser Treatment For Prostate More Beneficial Than Traditional Treatment Options?
- Less invasive than open surgery, resulting in less pain.
- Cauterizes blood vessels during the procedure, minimizing bleeding and the need for blood transfusions.
- Is often performed as an outpatient procedure.
- Ensures faster recovery time.
- Has shown high success rates in alleviating urinary symptoms and addressing prostate-related issues.
When Might You Be Advised Laser Treatment For Prostate?
Laser treatment for prostate may be a suitable option if you experience:
- Frequent urination
- Weak urine flow
- Urinary retention
- Difficulty starting and stopping urination
- Prostate enlargement (BPH)
- Early-stage prostate cancer
However, the appropriateness of this treatment will depend on your specific medical condition. Oftentimes, a combination of treatments works the best!
How Is It Done?
- Before the procedure, you will need to do a few tests like a digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and imaging studies. This will help the surgeon devise a tailored surgical plan.
- On the day of the procedure, you will be given general or spinal anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
- Your urologist will gently insert a thin, flexible tube called a cystoscope equipped with a camera and a light source, allowing the surgeon to visualize the prostate.
- He will then insert a specialized laser fiber through the cystoscope and into the prostate.
- The laser energy is used to precisely and selectively remove excess prostate tissue. This process is called enucleation. The laser energy effectively vaporizes or shaves off the prostate tissue, creating a void within the prostate.
- Once the enucleation is complete, the detached prostate tissue is typically removed from the bladder using a specialized instrument or suction device.
- A catheter is inserted into your bladder through the urethra to drain urine while the surgical area heals. The catheter is typically left in place for a day or two.
- You may stay in the recovery area for a few hours to ensure there are no immediate complications.
Post-Operative Care:
You will receive instructions on how to care for the catheter and any other post-operative requirements, such as pain management and antibiotic medications. It’s important to rest and avoid strenuous activities during the initial recovery period. You will need to come back for follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and remove the catheter.
Consult our experienced urologist, Dr. Priyank Salecha, to discuss whether this can be a viable treatment for your concern and get relief from prostate symptoms.
