Laser prostate surgery
What is laser prostate surgery?
Prostate laser surgery is a procedure performed under general anesthesia, or spinal anesthesia, with the aim of relieving moderate or severe urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
There are different types of prostate laser surgery, including the following:
- Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP): A laser is used to dissolve (vaporize) excess prostate tissue and enlarge the urinary canal.
- Holmium laser ablation of the prostate: This procedure is similar to PVP, but uses a different type of laser.
- Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: A laser is used to cut or remove excess tissue blocking the urethra. Another instrument is then used to cut the prostate tissue into small pieces that are easily removed. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate may be an option for men with severely enlarged prostates.
The type of laser surgery that is indicated will depend on several factors, such as: the size of the patient’s prostate and the patient’s state of health.
What is the procedure?
To perform this surgery, a thin fiberoptic endoscope is inserted into the head of the penis through the urethra. The laser that passes through the scope is used to destroy, vaporize, or cut prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. Depending on the procedure chosen, the doctor may also use instruments to remove pieces of prostate tissue cut from the bladder.
This type of laser surgery improves urinary flow in most men, and the results are often long-lasting.