Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that increases with age in men and significantly affects quality of life due to urinary tract symptoms. While various methods have been applied in the medical world for the surgical treatment of this problem for many years, one of the most reliable and effective options that has come to the fore recently is Greenlight laser therapy. Thanks to the high-power laser energy that emits green light, the enlarged prostate tissue is rapidly reduced by vaporization, and the obstruction in the urinary tract is eliminated.
What is Greenlight Laser Therapy?
Greenlight laser (photoselective vaporization, PVP) is a high-energy laser system that produces green light at a wavelength of 532 nanometers. Since this laser is intensely absorbed by hemoglobin, it works extremely effectively on highly vascularized prostate tissue. It rapidly vaporizes the enlarged prostate tissue while causing minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
Working Principle
Laser energy is delivered directly to the prostate tissue via a fiber at the tip of a thin endoscope advanced through the urinary tract. This energy rapidly heats the water in the tissue, providing tissue vaporization. At the same time, it minimizes bleeding by instantly sealing the vessels. Thus, while the tissues causing the obstruction are removed, the surrounding healthy structures are preserved.
In Which Diseases Is It Used?
Greenlight laser therapy is used in the treatment of various problems related to urinary tract obstruction, primarily BPH:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia and related urinary symptoms
- Prostate patients who do not respond sufficiently to drug therapy
- BPH patients with recurrent urinary tract infections
- Patients who have developed urinary retention (inability to urinate) due to BPH
- Patients with a tendency to bleed or those using blood thinners
- Patients for whom classic surgery is risky due to advanced age, heart disease, or comorbidities
- Patients with medium-volume prostates that are not too large (larger prostates can also be treated with appropriate fiber options)
Advantages of Greenlight Laser
- Can be safely applied even in patients using blood thinners due to very little bleeding
- Shorter hospital stay compared to classic TUR-P (transurethral resection of the prostate) surgery
- Catheter is usually kept in place for a very short time
- Rapid improvement in symptoms after the procedure
- Sexual functions are largely preserved
- No skin incision as it is a closed method
- Low complication rate
- Long-term effective results and low recurrence rate
- Can be applied with spinal anesthesia as well as general anesthesia
- Quick return to social and business life
Treatment Process
Before Greenlight laser therapy, a detailed evaluation of the patient is performed. The prostate volume and urinary tract structure are evaluated with PSA level, urinary flow rate test, prostate ultrasound, and cystoscopy when necessary. In patients suspected of having prostate cancer, this condition is first ruled out.
Procedure Stage
The treatment is performed under general or spinal anesthesia in operating room conditions. After the patient is placed in the appropriate position, a thin cystoscope is advanced through the urinary tract to reach the prostate. The laser fiber is passed through the working channel of the cystoscope, and the enlarged tissue is systematically vaporized. The procedure time can vary between 30-90 minutes depending on the size of the prostate. A short-term urinary catheter is inserted at the end of the procedure.
Post-Surgery
Most patients are discharged on the same day or the next day. The catheter is usually removed within 24-48 hours. There may be mild burning, frequent urination, and a small amount of blood in the urine for the first few days. These complaints subside in a short time with plenty of water consumption and medications recommended by the physician. Patients can usually return to their daily activities within a week and to their full life within 3-4 weeks.
Points to Consider
- Active urinary tract infection must be treated before the procedure
- The use of blood thinners should be evaluated with the physician; in most cases, it may not be necessary to discontinue them
- Heavy exercise, prolonged sitting, and excessive straining should be avoided during the recovery process
- Consuming plenty of water supports healing in the urinary tract
- The time to return to sexual intercourse should be determined by the physician
- PSA level and urinary flow rate should be monitored with regular urology check-ups
- A physician should be consulted without delay in case of high fever, severe pain, or heavy bleeding
Differences Between Greenlight Laser and Classic TUR-P
In classic TUR-P surgery, prostate tissue is cut and removed in pieces using electrical energy; although this procedure is effective, the risk of bleeding is higher and the duration of catheter use may be longer. Greenlight laser, on the other hand, causes very little bleeding as it directly vaporizes the tissue; this feature provides a great advantage, especially for patients using blood thinners.
In addition, the hospital stay and catheter use duration are significantly shortened in treatments performed with Greenlight laser. Patients can return to their daily lives and work lives much faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there pain after the procedure? There may be a mild burning sensation; it is usually controlled with simple painkillers.
- How are sexual functions affected? Erection is largely preserved; retrograde ejaculation may be seen in some patients.
- Does it treat prostate cancer? No; Greenlight is only applied for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Will it grow back? Recurrence is seen at a very low rate in the long term; regular urology check-ups are recommended.
Long-Term Results of Greenlight Laser Therapy
Greenlight laser therapy is a method that has been applied worldwide for many years and has proven long-term results. Clinical studies show that it provides a significant increase in urinary flow rate, a decrease in post-voiding residual urine, and a meaningful improvement in quality of life in the vast majority of patients. These results are largely maintained even years after the treatment.
The rate of additional interventions needed after treatment is quite low. PSA, urinary flow rate, and general urological health are monitored with regular urology check-ups. In this way, both recurrent problems related to the prostate are caught early and prostate cancer screening is not neglected. Greenlight laser is a valuable treatment option that offers safe, effective, and long-lasting results in the treatment of BPH with appropriate patient selection.
Greenlight Laser Therapy at Koru Hospital
As Koru Hospital, we offer Greenlight laser technology in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with our experienced urology team, modern operating room, and anesthesia infrastructure. We prepare personalized treatment plans by taking into account each patient's age, prostate volume, comorbidities, and lifestyle; we help you get rid of prostate complaints with safe and effective solutions that prioritize sexual health and quality of life.
