Four Keys to Prostate Laser

Prostate laser, also known as green laser, is a minimally invasive surgical treatment used as an alternative to surgery to combat prostatic hyperplasia, a disease involving prostate enlargement, without cancer cells.

Are there any other diseases in urology for which lasers can be used?

There are different types of lasers on the market. For benign prostate, the lasers normally used are the KTP (green) laser, the thulium laser and the Holmium laser.

The other pathologies in urology where the laser can be used are: to fragment the stones that produce colic, where the Holmium laser is applied, and to perform circumcision using the CO2 laser.

Could you explain what this technology consists of?

Photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate consists of an operation in which a hair-sized instrument is inserted through the urethra, the urinary duct of the penis, through which the laser pulses pass. These pulses completely eliminate the tissues of the enlarged prostate. The procedure is performed under epidural anesthesia.

What are the advantages over surgery?

1. Hospital stay: does not exceed 24 hours. Traditional surgeries require a hospital stay of 5 to 8 days.
2. No blood loss: the coagulating effect of the laser makes it very suitable for high-risk patients on anticoagulants.
3. Immediate relief of symptoms and quick and painless recovery.
4. The need for a catheter is limited to a few hours: traditional operations require a catheter for 5 to 8 days.
5. Cases of incontinence and impotence are considerably reduced.
6. Durable: the results reveal that patients treated so far have not required a new intervention. Endoscopic laser prostate surgery has considerably minimized the remote possibility of urinary incontinence.

Are there any complications and is it suitable for patients of any age?

It is an appropriate surgery for patients who present symptoms due to prostatic enlargement, such as getting up at night to urinate, coming home with great urgency to urinate, going frequently to urinate and who have not responded to the indicated medication. Moreover, there is no age limit to undergo this treatment.