The prostate laser is a new technology that has been developed in recent years to prevent bleeding in benign prostatic hyperplasia procedures. The laser aims to eliminate the obstruction of urination in a minimally invasive way and with minimal recovery times.
From the age of 50 onwards it is important for men to attend annual prostate check-ups so that the urologist can rule out a possible adenoma or carcinoma. These appointments should be regular and it is not necessary to wait for symptoms such as irritation when urinating, dribbling or frequency in going to the bathroom to go to the specialist.
Types of prostate laser
Green laser and Cyber Tulio laser. Both vaporize the prostate tissue. They make a wide tunnel that facilitates urination. These lasers can be used when the prostate is less than 80 grams. The procedure usually lasts one hour.
Holmium laser. For large prostates between 80 and 200 grams. In these cases the prostates cannot be vaporized and are enucleated. The adenoma, the benign tumor, is removed and the parts are taken to the bladder where they are eliminated by mocelation. This operation is a little longer, lasting between 1 and 2 hours.
It is also important who handles the laser; technologies are good if the person who performs them is experienced in them. “Just as in tennis, the important thing is the tennis player and not the racket, in technological surgery the most important thing is the surgeon who performs it”.
Conventional techniques for prostate cancer
Not all prostate enlargements can be treated with laser. Currently, both in the USA and in Spain, alternatives as effective as laser are still being used to treat hyperplasia. All of them are always aimed at avoiding possible complications.
For prostates weighing more than 80-300 grams, the holmium laser can be used, but on certain occasions it is necessary to resort to classic techniques, such as bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate or even open surgery. These are more aggressive interventions but offer excellent results.
In high-risk patients, ethanol ablation is also used. It is very effective and long-lasting. Necrosis of the adenoma, the benign tumor, occurs in 20 minutes. Ethanol is injected which kills the tumor. This technique is used in patients with cardiac risk, who take sintrom or who may have complications during the intervention.
When the tumor is malignant, it is not used either. Prostate cancer cannot be treated with laser.
Postoperative period after prostate laser surgery
The procedure is minimally invasive and the patient leaves the hospital walking in 24-48 hours. The following days should take care of the bleeding, drink plenty of fluids and avoid violent efforts. The time off to return to work is between 15 and 20 days.
Advantages of laser treatment and bipolar vaporization of the prostate
– Bleeding is much less, avoiding blood transfusions.
– Relatively rapid return to work
– Minimal complications over the old resection (avoids impotence and urinary incontinence).