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About GreenLight Laser Therapy
How many GreenLight procedures have been performed?
Over 200,000 procedures have been performed worldwide with the GreenLight laser system.
Is the procedure covered by insurance?
Medicare and most private insurance plans cover the procedure.
How does the GreenLight Laser Therapy procedure work?
A small fiber is inserted into the urethra through a cystoscope. The fiber carries laser energy which removes enlarged prostate tissue. Natural urine flow is rapidly restored and urinary symptoms are quickly relieved in most patients.
Where is the procedure performed?
The procedure can be performed in a hospital outpatient center or an office-based surgical facility. Typically no overnight stay is needed. However, in some cases when a patient travels a long distance, has other medical conditions to consider or is in frail condition, an overnight stay may be recommended.
Will I have to spend the night in the hospital?
Most patients can go home a few hours after the procedure. Sometime the doctor feels more comfortable asking a patient to spend the night and go home the following morning, particularly
if your procedure was done late in the day, or if you traveled a long distance to reach the
hospital.
Will I have discomfort during the procedure?
Your doctor will discuss anesthesia requirements, as well as pain medication to ensure your comfort during and after the procedure.
Will I need to wear a catheter?
Many patients do not require a catheter following the procedure. If one is required, it is typically removed in less than 24 hours. However, patients with compromised bladder function or those who have required prolonged catheterization as a result of severe urinary symptoms may require a catheter for a longer period of time.
Will I have discomfort after the procedure?
Most patients experience mild discomfort such as slight burning during urination for a week or so. This can be managed with mild pain and anti-inflammatory medications.
How long before I see results?
Many patients obtain symptom relief and a dramatic improvement in urine flow usually within 24 hours of the procedure.5,10
How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most patients can resume normal activities within a couple of days.3,11 Strenuous activities can be resumed within two weeks.11 Your urologist will discuss this and your specific condition with you during your consultation.
Laser procedures are not recommended for everyone. You should talk to your doctor about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment.
Can I have a GreenLight Laser procedure if I've had previous enlarged prostate treatments or surgery?
Yes, many patients who have had previous treatments have been successfully treated with GreenLight.
My doctor has recommended that I have a TURP? Can I still have the GreenLight procedure?
In general, patients suitable for TURP can be considered for a GreenLight procedure, however, you and your doctor will need to make that determination, based upon your individual condition and desired outcomes.
Will I still need to take my prostate medication following the GreenLight procedure?
Your doctor will tell you when you can stop taking these medications.
How do I know if I am a candidate for GreenLight?
Only your urologist can determine if you are a candidate, based upon your history & physical examination, as well as his clinical judgment.
2. Karatas OF, Tasci A, Tugcu V. Erectile functions in BPH patients after photoselective vaporisation of the prostate laser surgery. Eur Urol 2006;5(2 suppl.):272 abstract 997. EAU Meeting, Apr 5-8,2006 Paris, France.
3. Malek RS, Kuntzman RS, Barrett DM. High power potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser vaporization prostatectomy. J Urol. 2000 Jun;163(6):1730-3.
4. Malek RS, Kuntzman RS, Barrett DM.Photoselective potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser vaporization of the benign obstructive prostate: observations on long-term outcomes. J Urol. 2005 Oct;174(4 Pt 1):1344-8.
5. Malek RS, Barrett DM, Kuntzman RS. High-power potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP/532) laser vaporization prostatectomy: 24 hours later. Urology. 1998 Feb;51(2):254-6. .
8. Yakupoglu YK, Donmezer S, Mestci B, Saglam R, Simsek US. Successful treatment of BPH over 100 ml with KTP laser. J Urol 2006 May;175(4 suppl.):463 abstract 1522.
9. GreenLight Bibliography compiled by American Medical Systems updated 11/8/06
10. Sarica K, Alkan E, Luleci H, Tasci AI. Photoselective vaporization of the enlarged prostate with KTP laser: long-term results in 240 patients. J Endourol. 2005 Dec;19(10):1199-202.
11. Mueller EJ. A series of 60 Greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) patients with results equal to standard TURP with much decreased morbidity and much quicker return to full normal unrestricted activity. 52nd Annual James C Kimbrough Urological Seminar. Jan-16-Jan 21, 2005 Honolulu, Hawaii abstract 41.
