An enlarged prostate blocks the flow of urine from the bladder. Anyone who has suffered from an enlarged prostate understands the importance of treating this condition that typically affects older men. Green Light Laser Surgery for Prostate is an effective procedure for treating this condition.
Before this advancement in medical technology, enlargement of the prostate was treated either with medication or, for the more serious cases, transurethral resection of the prostate. The aim of either treatment is to free up the passage for the flow of urine from the bladder.
The alternative to transurethral resection of prostate is laser surgery for prostate. This is a non-invasive procedure which employs the use of green light laser. This procedure involves the photo-selective vaporization of the prostate, thereby creating a passage for the flow of urine.
When people hear of lasers, there is a tendency to think of something that can cause harm. There is no need for this concern as this process is a safe and quick alternative to the traditional method. The green light laser, also known as KTP laser, is a procedure with minimal or no complications.
Why Is Laser Surgery for Prostate Better?
This method of treating prostate enlargement has the following advantages:
- It is non-invasive. This means that no incisions or cuts have to be made on the patient’s body.
- It is quicker and safer. This procedure can be completed within two hours. In addition to the vaporization of the tissues, the laser also seals the blood vessels of the tissues surrounding the vaporized tissues to reduce bleeding.
- Recovery from this procedure is much faster. A patient can expect to go back to work after just four days.
Are There Side Effects?
No medical procedure is 100% safe. Known side effects associated with this procedure include: Retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and a build up of scare tissues known as “stricture.” The occurrence of these side effects is not common.
Any procedure will be more successful and safer when performed by an experienced surgeon. To learn more about green laser light surgery, call for a consultation with one of the skilled and experienced surgeons of St Pete Urology.