GreenLight™ Laser Therapy
Rapid relief of symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
GreenLight™ Laser Therapy Patient Education Video
What is GreenLight™ Laser Therapy?
Lasers are now used in many areas of medicine, including eye (2) and cosmetic surgery. (3) They are also used to treat an enlarged prostate. (4)
During the GreenLight procedure, the tissue blocking your prostate is rapidly heated and vaporized. Natural urine flow is rapidly restored in most patients. Typically, the procedure is performed as a same-day surgery. Many patients can go home without a urinary catheter. An overnight stay may be recommended for some patients.
GreenLight™ Laser Therapy Animation
Why should I use GreenLight™ Laser Therapy?
GreenLight™ Laser Therapy offers several advantages over traditional surgical options. These advantages include:
Significantly less chance of severe blood loss (6)
Same-day surgery in most cases (7)
Significantly faster recovery in typical cases for the following: (6,8-11)
Shorter hospital stay
Shorter catheterization time
Less bleeding
Comparable risks and outcomes
How Does GreenLight™ Laser Therapy Work?
1. The Procedure
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, your doctor will insert a small scope into your urethra. The scope allows your doctor to see the inner surfaces of the urethra, prostate and bladder. (5)
After the scope is in place, your doctor will advance the laser device through the scope to the location of the enlarged prostate tissue. (6) Your doctor will then vaporize the prostate tissue that is obstructing urine flow. Dead tissue that is not immediately vaporized will be passed naturally in your urine during the first few days after your surgery. (7)
A temporary urinary catheter may be placed at the end of the procedure to let urine drain from your bladder.
2. After the Procedure
People typically go home within a few hours after the procedure. You should arrange for a ride home.
If a urinary catheter was placed in your bladder at the end of the procedure, it will typically be removed within 24 hours. However, some patients may require a catheter for a longer time.
Most patients experience very rapid relief of symptoms and a dramatic improvement in urine flow. This usually occurs within 24 hours of the procedure. Your experience may differ.
Your doctor will provide you with specific discharge instructions and information on signs and symptoms that may require further medical attention.
You may experience mild discomfort such as slight burning during urination and see small amounts of blood in your urine for a week or so. Also, depending on the condition of your bladder, you may experience greater frequency and urge to urinate. This will likely resolve over time.
Usually, you can return to your everyday activities within a short time after the GreenLight procedure. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
3. Risks
Every surgical procedure may have risks. The same is true for GreenLight™ Laser Therapy.
The most common risks include:
Hematuria – Blood in the urine
Irritation of the bladder – Results in frequent and/or urgent need to urinate
Irritation of the urethra – Frequent urination, burning sensation
Retrograde ejaculation – Semen during sexual climax travels backward to the bladder rather than exiting through the penis
FAQs
Do I have to stay in the hospital after a GreenLight procedure?
GreenLight Laser Therapy is generally an outpatient procedure. Typically, no overnight stay in the hospital is required, but it will depend on your individual condition.
Will I experience 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 experience 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 medication.
What are the risks of GreenLight Laser Therapy?
All surgical treatments have inherent and associated risks. The GreenLight Laser System is intended for removal of soft tissue, including vaporization of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Potential risks include irritative symptoms, bleeding, retrograde ejaculation and urinary tract infection. You should talk with your doctor about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment option. How long will it be before I notice results? Most patients experience very rapid relief of symptoms and a dramatic improvement in urine flow. This typically occurs within 24 hours of the procedure. However, medical history, your health condition and other factors can influence treatment and recovery.
How soon can I return to work or normal activity?
Most patients can resume normal activities within a couple of days. Typically, strenuous activity can be resumed within a short time. Your doctor will discuss any restrictions and your specific condition during your consultation.
Will there be any sexual side effects?
You should be able to have normal sexual experiences, including the same sensation of an orgasm, after the procedure. Some men may experience “retrograde ejaculation,” or “dry climax.” This does not affect erection or orgasm.
How is GreenLight™ Laser Therapy different from transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a procedure that involves use of a heated wire to cut excess tissue from the prostate and has been used to treat an enlarged prostate for many years. Instead of cutting, GreenLight Laser Therapy uses a laser to vaporize excess prostate tissue.
Is GreenLight Laser Therapy as effective as TURP?
A recent clinical study to compare the two procedures showed similar improvement in urinary symptoms and urine flow. GreenLight Laser Therapy was shown to provide shorter recovery and less catheterization time. (12)
Is GreenLight Laser Therapy covered by insurance?
Medicare and most private insurers cover the GreenLight Laser Therapy procedure. Boston Scientific does not guarantee insurance coverage for any procedure or product. It is the responsibility of the patient to contact their insurance provider for specific coverage information.
How long has GreenLight Laser Therapy been around?
GreenLight Laser Therapy has been marketed since May 2001 and over 900,000 patients have been treated worldwide with the therapy. (1)
Citations
1. Data on file with Boston Scientific.
2. Munnerlyn CR. Lasers in ophthalmology: Past, present and future. J Mod Opt. 2003;50:2351-60.
3. Hruza GJ, Dover JS. Laser skin resurfacing. Arch Dermatol. 1996 Apr;132(4):451-5.
4. McVary KT, Roehrborn CG, Avins AL, et al. Update on AUA guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2011 May;185(5):1793-803.
5. Hueber PA, Zorn KC. Canadian trend in surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia and laser therapy from 2007-2008 to 2011-2012. Can Urol Assoc J. 2013 Sep-Oct;7(9-10):E582-6.
6. Bachmann A, Tubaro A, Barber N, et al. 180-W XPS GreenLight laser vaporization versus transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: 6 month safety and efficacy results of the European multi-centre randomized trial – The GOLIATH Study. Eur Urol. 2014 May;65(5):931-42.
7. Garnick MB. 2013 Annual Report on Prostate Diseases. Boston, MA: Harvard Health Publications; 2013.
8. Lukacs B, Loeffler J, Bruyère F, et al. Photoselective vaporization of the prostate with GreenLight 120-W laser compared with monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. Eur Urol. 2012 Jun;61(6):1165-73.
9. Capitán C, Blázquez C, Martin MD, et al. GreenLight HPS 120-W laser vaporization versus transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized clinical trial with 2-year follow-up. Eur Urol. 2011 Oct;60(4):734-9.
10. Al-Ansari A, Younes N, Sampige VP, et al. GreenLight HPS 120-W laser vaporization versus transurethral resection of the prostate for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized clinical trial with midterm follow-up. Eur Urol. 2010 Sep;58(3):349-55.
11. Bouchier-Hayes DM, Van Appledorn S, Bugeja P, et al. A randomized trial of photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the 80-W potassium titanylphosphate laser vs transurethral prostatectomy, with a 1-year follow-up. BJU Int. 2010 Apr;105(7):964-9.
12. Bachmann A, Tubaro A, Barber N, et al.180-W XPS GreenLight Laser Vaporisation Versus Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Obstruction: 6 Month Safety and Efficacy Results of a European Multi-Centre Randomised Trial - The GOLIATH Study. Euro Urol. May 2014; 65(5): 931-942.