Laser Prostatectomy
When it comes to treating an enlarged prostate quickly and effectively, procedures like laser prostatectomy help our doctors provide the comprehensive and precise treatment each patient deserves.
Laser prostatectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat conditions related to an enlarged prostate. The procedure uses a cystoscope outfitted with a laser fiber to vaporize enlarged prostate tissue.
Unlike other prostate surgeries such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser prostatectomy’s use of laser energy helps seal blood vessels as tissue is removed, leaving a patient less prone to bleeding and other surgical risks. The technique also helps reduce hospital stays and quickens recovery time.
Laser prostatectomy is ideally used as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but can also help in preventing conditions such as urinary tract infections and urinary bleeding.
Laser prostatectomy is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The surgery does not require incisions of any sort.
During the procedure, your doctor inserts a cystoscope (a thin telescope) into the urethra. The cystoscope helps image the obstruction caused by the enlarged prostate.
Once the cystoscope is in the precise location of the urethral obstruction, a laser fiber is passed through it.
The laser fiber is then activated. Several bursts of laser energy vaporize the enlarged prostate tissue from the inside and cause shrinkage of the prostate gland. The heat from the lasers also seals the blood vessels, reducing the risk of bleeding.
Laser prostatectomy poses fewer risk than other prostate procedure. Though extremely rare, some complications may still occur. These include:
- Urgent/frequent urination
- Urinary incontinence
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Urethral strictures