Greenlight Laser TURP

Picture of Greenlight Laser TURP

Watch Video on Greenlight Laser TURP

Greenlight laser TURP is the latest method for treatment of men with obstructive benign prostate enlargement (BPH). Through a cystoscope, a specially designed fibre that emits a green laser beam vapourises the prostate gland leaving a cavity that heals over the next 3 weeks. The advantage over conventional TURP is that the laser seals the prostate blood vessels more effectively, making it a bloodless procedure. General anaesthesia is usually given because it is a slower procedure and can sometimes up to 2 hours. A catheter is inserted into the bladder after the surgery but unlike conventional TURP, no irrigation fluid is needed. The catheter can even be removed later the same day without any worry of excess bleeding. As such, the hospital stay of just one day is possible compared to 3 to 4 days for standard TURP. The other advantage is that blood-thinning medication, such as Aspirin, Plavix or warfarin need not be stopped beforehand. Laser TURP is more expensive because of the added cost of the laser fibre and machine.

Complications include:

  • bleeding. This should be minimal and should clear by drinking plenty of water.
  • urinary retention. If so, the catheter will need to be re-inserted and left in for a few days more.