Pioneering Birmingham Prostate Clinic reaches new landmark with revolutionary treatment

14th February 2007

The Birmingham Prostate Clinic is first centre in the West Midlands to introduce and treat scores of patients with revolutionary Greenlight Laser therapy.

Widely used in America, Greenlight Laser therapy has transformed treatment of the enlarged prostate, a condition affecting one in three men over the age of 50.

The Birmingham Prostate Clinic was the first centre in the West Midlands to introduce Greenlight Laser therapy in the West Midlands in June 2006. Now 33 patients have been successfully treated with this procedure.

The Green Laser provides a high powered, safe and precise means of destroying surplus tissue by vaporising selected areas without harming other areas.

The procedure takes just 60 to 90 minutes and patients can return home on the same day without major complications or discomfort.

Traditionally, patients with an enlarged prostate have required open surgery to remove excess prostate tissue, resulting in a long recovery period and risks of serious complications.

Consultant urologist Alan Doherty, who founded the Birmingham Prostate Clinic, said: “Greenlight Laser therapy is a major step forward which is transforming the treatment of this very common prostate problem."

“It is a problem which affects a very large number of men and can have a terrible impact on the quality of their lives."

“Greenlight Laser therapy is a far better option for patients. There is no need for a catheter after Greenlight Laser therapy and patients can go home with little or no discomfort."

“There is minimal blood loss and far lower risk of complications such as discomfort, incontinence and impotency. Many of our patients have returned to work within weeks of having the procedure.”