GreenLight laser prostate surgery

Birmingham Prostate Clinic specialises in GreenLight laser prostate surgery for the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or the enlarged prostate. We are highly experienced in this minimally invasive procedure, having now completed more than 500 operations and were the first in the West Midlands to introduce GreenLight laser prostate surgery in 2007.

We are one of the first centres in the UK to invest in the most advanced technology for this procedure, the ‘third generation’ XPS machine. This £100,000 machine is more powerful than its two predecessors, allowing us to treat men with large prostates and to reduce the operating time by 50 per cent.

The GreenLight XPS system also has a new feature called pulse coagulation, which reduces the risk of blood loss. The pulses of energy cause the blood vessels in the surgical area to coagulate, or solidify. By providing pulsed, rather than a constant flow of energy, the XPS system allows tissue to quickly cool down and coagulate, preventing blood loss.

“The principle behind GreenLight laser has always been using high-powered energy beams to vaporise excess tissue and coagulate blood vessels to minimise bleeding,” explains Alan Doherty, Consultant Urologist of Birmingham Prostate Clinic.”

“The XPS system allows us to do both of these things far more efficiently. We have greater power, which is particularly important with larger prostates. We also have pulsed coagulation which means we can minimise bleeding in the most safe and effective way possible,” said Mr Doherty, who is one of the most experienced surgeons using GreenLight laser in the UK.”

What is GreenLight laser surgery?

In GreenLight laser prostate surgery, a high powered laser destroys surplus prostate tissue without harming other healthy tissue. In this way, an enlarged prostate that is blocking the bladder can be opened up.

The laser vaporises excess tissue using safe and precise energy pulses. Blood vessels in the target area are also vaporised, which means there is very little bleeding.

Who can have this treatment?

All patients with an enlarged prostate, known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) are suitable, including those on anticoagulants. Some patients with prostate cancer can also benefit.

What can I expect from the procedure?

The procedure takes an average of 60 to 90 minutes under general anaesthetic. A thin laser fibre is positioned within the laserscope and is passed up through the urethra to deliver the treatment. Patients are usually able to return home on the same day. Following the procedure, if a urethral catheter has been inserted, it is usually removed after approximately two hours. This allows patients to fully wake up from the general anaesthetic. Some patients with the most enlarged prostates have a suprapubic catheter, and this is usually left in place for a week until normal voiding has resumed. One week’s prescription of antibiotics is normally given.

Benefits of GreenLight laser treatment

There is very little blood loss compared with the standard operation known as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate). This means a quicker recovery for patients and in most cases, patients can return home on the same day without a catheter. Recovery is also improved because patients are not anaemic and have not absorbed irrigation fluid produced during TURP which can cause the serious condition of so called ‘TUR Syndrome’. No tissue is available for histology following the procedure. It is therefore important that prostate cancer is excluded by a urologist prior to GreenLight laser treatment.

Experience of GreenLight laser

GreenLight laser was first performed in the UK in October 2002 and approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in May 2005. Studies shown there is no increase in the need for repeat procedures following GreenLight laser and much reduced side effects. GreenLight laser prostate surgery is now fully established and effective that it has replaced the TURP procedure in our service and that of many leading teaching hospitals throughout the UK.

Birmingham Prostate Clinic is currently carrying out a large study of patients who had have GreenLight laser surgery, as part of our commitment to continuously assessing, auditing and publishing the results of the procedures we carry out.