What Is Laser Prostate Surgery?

There are several reasons you may need prostate surgery including chronic urinary tract infections and conditions that cause the prostate to become enlarged, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Traditionally, prostate surgery has been carried out using open surgery techniques that require a large incision to be made in the lower abdomen. Open surgery is associated with a longer stay in hospital and a longer recovery time. Laser prostate surgery utilises keyhole surgical techniques, so it's a less invasive procedure. This type of surgery is associated with lower rates of post-surgical infections and quicker recovery.

An Overview Of The Surgical Process

Laser prostate surgery is often carried out as a day case and spinal anaesthesia is used. Although you will be awake for the duration of the surgery, you will not feel any pain. If you feel particularly anxious about the procedure, you may be able to have a general anaesthetic.

Once the spinal anaesthesia is administered, a flexible scope is inserted through the tip of your penis and passed into your urethra. Your surgeon will insert surgical instruments, including the surgical laser, through the flexible scope, and the scope has a camera on the end of it that is linked to a computer in the operating room. This allows the surgeon to get a close-up view of your prostate and surrounding tissues.

You will typically be able to go home a few hours after the surgery. Your doctor will likely want to ensure you are passing urine normally before you are discharged. You may experience some mild post-surgical pain, and you can be prescribed painkillers to help with this.

Two Laser Prostate Surgical Techniques

During laser prostate surgery, there are two main techniques that are used, and the technique your surgeon uses will depend on a number of factors including the illness being treated and the condition of your prostate, which will only be fully determined when the scope is in place.

Your surgeon may opt for photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP). This technique is commonly used when only part of your prostate is being removed, such as when the prostate is enlarged and excess tissue is blocking the flow of urine. It involves using the heat from the laser to melt away excess tissue.

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) may be your surgeon's preferred technique if your entire prostate needs to be removed. It involves using the laser to break up prostate tissue into tiny pieces, and the pieces are then removed through the scope with the use of surgical tools.

Laser prostate surgery is a pretty routine procedure that's considered safe and effective, but your surgeon will be happy to answer any questions you have before scheduling your procedure.

For more information about laser prostate surgery, talk to your surgeon.

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