Prostate surgery can be carried out to treat a number of conditions including recurring urinary tract infections and benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a condition that causes the prostate gland to become enlarged and can lead to you having trouble passing urine. Open surgery on the prostate involves having an incision made in your lower abdomen to access and remove some or all of your prostate. This type of surgery typically requires a stay of several days in hospital for observation and can require several weeks of rest to allow the incision to heal.
Laser prostate surgery is a newer surgical approach that's associated with quicker healing and less risk of certain complications, such as post-surgical bleeding. In some cases, laser prostate surgery can be carried out on an outpatient basis and recovery tends to be significantly quicker. Read on to learn about how laser prostate surgery is performed and the differences between two common types of laser prostate surgery.
How Laser Prostate Surgery Is Done
Laser prostate surgery is often done using a spinal anaesthesia, which means you will be awake during the procedure but generally won't feel anything from the waist down. However, your doctor may feel it's more suitable for you to have a general anaesthetic and will discuss the reasons with you.
Once you are anaesthetised, a narrow, flexible scope will be inserted into your urethra via the tip of your penis. A laser is then inserted through the scope and small surgical instruments can also be inserted into the same scope. A tiny camera on the end of the scope allows your surgeon to see your prostate and carry out the procedure safely.
After surgery, your doctor will want to ensure you are passing urine normally before you go home and they may provide you with mild painkillers to take for a day or two to help ease post-surgical discomfort. You may also be prescribed a short course of antibiotics to prevent a bacterial infection from developing while you heal.
Two Common Types Of Laser Prostate Surgery
There are two types of laser prostate surgery that are commonly carried out, and the type you require will depend on the condition being treated. Photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) uses the intense heat generated by the laser to melt away enlarged sections of prostate tissue. This type of surgery may be used if your surgeon believes there's no need to remove your prostate. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) involves using the laser to remove excess tissue before surgical instruments are used to dissect the prostate, which allows it to be removed through the flexible scope a piece at a time.
If you'd like more information about laser prostate surgery, consult your doctor.
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