GreenLight Laser Therapy is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It uses a high-powered laser to precisely target and remove overgrown prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. This technique allows natural urine flow to return in most patients and is performed using a telescope passed into the urethra (urinary passage).
The procedure is commonly done as day surgery, although some patients may require an overnight hospital stay.
Why might I need this procedure?
An enlarged prostate can lead to:
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Interrupted sleep
- Weak urine stream or difficulty urinating
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
If medications are not effective or not well tolerated due to side effects, GreenLight Laser Therapy provides an alternative surgical option.
The procedure
On the day of your procedure you will be admitted to hospital and prepared for surgery. You will be given either general anaesthetic or a spinal anaesthetic, depending on what you have discussed with Prof Lawrentschuk.
During the procedure:
- A telescope is inserted through the urethra, and laser energy is used to vaporise excess prostate tissue.
- A urinary catheter may be inserted at the end of the operation and is usually removed within 24 hours.
Most patients return home the day after the procedure while some patients are even able to go home on the same day as surgery. Please arrange for someone to take you home.
Before your procedure
You will be contacted 1-2 weeks prior to your scheduled procedure with your fasting and admission and time. You will also receive a link to complete your online admission forms.
It is important for you to advise the rooms if you are taking any blood thinners or any prescribed medications for diabetes or weight loss purposes. As the laser also vaporises blood vessels, there is usually very little or no bleeding. It is therefore generally safe for patients to continue taking blood thinning medications. However, please confirm this with Prof Lawrentschuk prior to your procedure.
Following your procedure
Recovering at home
Most patients experience symptom relief within 24 hours but this can vary. Please note you may also experience mild burning with urination, frequent urges or see small amounts of blood in the urine. This is normal and will usually resolve within a week or two following the procedure.
Most patients can return to regular activities approximately a week after the procedure, depending on how they feel. It is generally advised that:
- You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for roughly 2 weeks.
- You should avoid sexual activity (intercourse and masturbation) for around 2-4 weeks.
Possible risks
As with all procedures, there are potential risks. The most common include:
- Haematuria (blood in the urine)
- Bladder irritation (frequent or urgent urination, burning sensation)
- Urethral irritation
- Retrograde ejaculation (semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during ejaculation)
Other potential risks include:
- Urine infection (<10%)
- Erectile dysfunction (<5%)
- Urethral stricture (<5%)
- Incontinence (<2%)
As stated previously, patients on blood thinners may be able to continue their medications before the procedure. This should only be done after seeking approval from Prof Lawrentschuk.
Alternative treatment options
The traditional surgical treatment method for BPH is what is known as a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). This involves using a heated wire loop to remove prostate tissue. While this remains an effective treatment option, TURP is prone to cause bleeding and can sometimes lead to additional complications.
Other alternatives include:
- Medications: Alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
- Open surgery: Removal of part of the prostate via an abdominal incision
- Other laser therapies: Different laser systems may be used in some cases
When to seek help
Please contact Professor Lawrentschuk’s rooms at 9329 1197 or attend your nearest Emergency Department if you experience:
- Severe pain that cannot be controlled with medication
- Inability to urinate
- Signs of infection, including fever, chills and dark, cloudy urine.
Follow-up and monitoring
You will usually have a follow-up appointment with Prof Lawrentschuk or our Urology Nurse, Thili, within 6-8 weeks after surgery to assess your recovery and evaluate the need for further treatment or medication.
Please note as Prof Lawrentschuk is only shelling out the inside, more than half of the prostate will remian intact. This can continue to grow, although this takes many years. Most men will have a durable response of up to 10 years.
If you have any queries, please use the contact details below:
MONDAY to FRDAY 8:30AM–4:00PM
Call the rooms at 9329 1197
AFTER HOURS
Contact Epworth Emergency on 03 9426 6666 or Royal Melbourne Emergency on 03 9342 7000.
You can also page Prof Lawrentschuk on 03 9387 1000.
For appointments and enquiries:
CONSULTING LOCATIONS
Website by: 