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14 October 2010 Prostate laser surgery procedureIn a prostate green light laser surgery, the laser fiber is passed through the urethra into the prostate gland with the help of a cystoscopy. The laser fiber then delivers bursts of energy for about thirty seconds to a minute. This high intensity laser destroys the cells by ablating and cauterizing them. Most laser prostate surgeries for removal of a cancerous prostate gland involves ablation of the tissue. However, in cases where there is an enlarged prostate without any cancer, laser enucleation, wherein, all of the tissue that is causing obstruction is removed, is opted for. This surgical procedure is said to be the treatment of choice when it comes to removal of the prostate gland. In cases where the person has urinary problems, this surgery almost instantly gives results and provides relief. However, in cases of removal of non-cancerous prostate, it is best to opt for surgery only after all conservative options of treatment have been exhausted. Advantages of prostate laser surgery The enlarged prostate laser surgery recovery time is lesser as compared to traditional surgery. This is because as this procedure involves minimal amount of blood loss, the time to recover completely is quite less. Hence, the hospital stay of the patient decreases too. Also, this is the ideal option for patients who are very weak or who are on anticoagulant therapy, and so, cannot afford to lose any blood. Also, one of the most comforting things for patients undergoing this surgery is the knowledge that after the surgery, they mostly won't require catheter insertion. This is because since there is minimal amount of damage done to the inner tissues or to the nerves supplying the bladder. Even if there is need for catheterization, which may prolong the prostate surgery recovery time, it is usually removed after a day. Moreover, one of the biggest advantages of a laser prostate surgery is that the chances of development of prostate surgery side effects are minimal. This is because this is a highly precise procedure, unlike an open surgery, wherein there are chances of damage to the nearby important structures, like nerves and blood vessels. Hence, the chances of developing incontinence after prostate surgery or changes in sexual health do exist, but are lesser than that compared to an open surgery. There are however, quite a few risks involved with a prostate cancer laser surgery, as no surgical procedure is completely devoid of possible side effects and complications. Urinary retention, increased risk of urinary tract infections, narrowing of the urethra, retrograde ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Also, the prostate laser surgery cost may be a deterrent for some patients, as this surgery is a bit more expensive as compared to open prostatectomy. 
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NOTE: Issues on this site regarding prostate cancer and treatment options, are provided for information only, and are not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. Prostate-Report.org does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment. |
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