GreenLight™ Laser Therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

GreenLight™ Laser Therapy combines the effectiveness of the “gold standard” transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgical procedure with fewer side effects. Several studies have shown comparable outcomes between the two procedures. During the GreenLight™ procedures, the physician uses a laser to remove the excess prostate tissue. The result is a larger channel for urine flow to pass through. Removing the excess tissue eliminates most lower urinary tract symptoms.

The criteria for selection of patients for GreenLight™ Laser Therapy are the same as those for TURP, so any patient who would benefit from TURP may also be a candidate for GreenLight™.

GreenLight™ Laser Therapy can be performed in a hospital outpatient center, surgical center, or specially equipped physician’s office. The patient is usually put under general or spinal anesthesia for the duration of the treatment. Typically, no overnight stay is needed. However, in some cases when a patient travels a long distance, has other medical conditions to consider, or is in frail condition, an overnight stay may be recommended.

How does GreenLight™ work?

GreenLight™ Laser Therapy is a procedure performed with a small fiber that is inserted into the urethra through a cytoscope. The fiber delivers high-powered laser light. Blood inside the enlarged prostate tissue instantly absorbs the laser light, heating the tissue and causing it to vaporize. This process is continued until all of the enlarged prostate tissue has been removed.

GreenLight™ has been acclaimed for its ability to precisely vaporize tissue without causing damage to underlying structures. Natural urine flow is rapidly restored and urinary symptoms are quickly relieved in most patients—all with minimal blood loss, minimal postoperative discomfort, and a short hospital stay.

The good news is that GreenLight™ Laser Therapy offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery in the treatment of BPH.

When compared with the reported complications for other minimally invasive procedures, GreenLight™ reports:

  • Less need for retreatment
  • Fewer patients need re-catheterization after the procedure
  • Fewer patients go home catheterized
  • Fewer sexual side effects
  • The Greenlight™ Difference

GreenLight™ Laser Therapy has been increasingly performed as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), with several studies demonstrating comparable results with fewer side effects and complications.

 

The difference is in the technology:

GreenLight™ uses laser light—not a knife or thermal/electrical energy—to precisely remove tissue.1 The laser vaporization minimizes blood loss, so it is suitable for patients who take medications to thin their blood or prevent blood clotting.

Furthermore, cost analyses have shown GreenLight™ to be less costly than traditional surgery,so it’s no wonder patients and doctors alike are choosing this user-friendly procedure.

 

Is GreenLight™ for me?

Choosing the right treatment

When symptoms begin to interfere with your lifestyle, it’s time to consider treatment choices. Especially if medication isn’t working and surgery seems scary.

Understanding your options will help you make the right choice for your desired outcome and lifestyle needs. Discuss this information with your urologist.

Use the guide below to help you determine the treatment that best suits your needs. Discuss the expected outcomes and risks for each treatment with your doctor.

Treatment result GreenLight™ TURP
Rapid symptom relief X X
Very low risk of sexual dysfunction X X
Dramatic urine flow improvement X  
Typically less than 24-hour need for catheter X  
Minimal risk of blood transfusion X  
Outpatient procedure X  
Able to treat patients on anticoagulants X  

Assessing the risks of GreenLight™ Laser Therapy

Every surgical treatment may have side effects. The same is true for GreenLight™ Laser Therapy. While side effects and complications are considered to happen much less frequently with GreenLight™ Laser Therapy than with traditional surgery, the following can occur after the procedure :

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • Bladder cramping
  • Bladder urgency
  • Urinary tract irritation
  • Retrograde ejaculation 

You should contact your doctor immediately if:

  • You see large amounts of blood (a spoonful or more) in your urine
  • You see blood that is bright red in color
  • You have a temperature exceeding 100°F
  • You experience chills or shaking

If a catheter was placed, contact your doctor immediately if:

  • Your urine drainage bag is not filling with urine
  • There is leaking around the catheter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is GreenLight™ Therapy covered by insurance?

Medicare and most private insurance plans cover the procedure.

Where is the procedure performed?

The procedure can be performed in a hospital outpatient center or an office-based surgical facility. Typically, no overnight stay is needed. However, when a patient travels a long distance, has other medical conditions to consider, or is in frail condition, an overnight stay may be recommended.

Do I have to stay in the hospital after a GreenLight™ procedure?

GreenLight™ is generally an outpatient procedure. Typically, no overnight stay in the hospital is required, but it will depend on your individual condition.

Will I have discomfort after the procedure?

Most patients experience mild discomfort, such as slight burning during urination, for a week or so. This can be managed with mild pain and anti-inflammatory medications.

Will I need to wear a catheter?

Many patients do not require a catheter following the procedure. If one is required, it is typically removed in less than 24 hours. However, patients with compromised bladder function or those who require prolonged catheterization as a result of severe urinary symptoms may require a catheter for a longer period of time.

Will the GreenLight™ Laser Therapy treatment affect my sexual function?

Less than 1% of patients experience sexual dysfunction. However, 36% of patients experience retrograde ejaculation after the procedure.

How long before my symptoms improve?

Most patients experience very rapid relief of symptoms and improvement in urine flow within 24 hours of the procedure. However, medical history, health conditions, and other factors can influence treatment and recovery.

Will I continue to need BPH medications after the GreenLight™ Laser Therapy treatment?

As with any medication, ask your doctor what regimen is appropriate for you. However, most patients are able to discontinue taking their BPH medications within a few weeks of treatment.

How soon can I return to work and other normal activities?

Most patients can resume normal activities within a couple of days. Strenuous activities can be resumed within 2 weeks. Your urologist will discuss this and your specific condition with you during your consultation.

Is BPH a type of cancer?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is not a type of cancer and it is not known to influence the risk of cancer.

How long do the results last?

Clinical studies report that GreenLight™ Laser Therapy offers rapid and lasting symptom relief for at least 5 years.

How many GreenLight™ procedures have been performed?

More than 500,000 patients worldwide have been treated with the GreenLight™ Laser System.

Can I have a GreenLight™ Laser procedure if I've had previous enlarged prostate treatments or surgery?

Many patients who have had previous treatments have been successfully treated with GreenLight™.

My doctor has recommended that I have a TURP. Can I still have the GreenLight™ procedure?

In general, patients suitable for TURP can be considered for a GreenLight™ procedure. However, you and your doctor will need to make that determination based upon your individual condition and desired outcomes.

How do I know if I am a candidate for GreenLight™?

Only your urologist can determine if you are a candidate, based upon your history and physical examination, as well as his or her clinical judgment

What can you expect the day of your procedure?

On the day of your procedure, you will come to the treatment center. You should have someone drive you home since this is an outpatient procedure. Keep in mind that different patients may require a different treatment regimen.

Before treatment, your physician may give you medication to help you relax during the procedure. You may also receive medication to help you avoid infections.
You may be asked to empty your bladder.

You will be brought into the procedure room and moved into the treatment bed where you will lie on your back. You will be provided anesthesia that will allow you to sleep through the entire procedure. Depending on the treatment center, other types of anesthesia may be used, including spinal block or a nerve block.

Once you are asleep or the anesthesia block takes effect, your physician will insert a cystoscope through your urethra. The laser fiber is introduced through the cystoscope and advanced into the urethra at the location of the prostate. The physician systematically vaporizes the enlarged prostate tissue until the obstruction is removed.

At the end of the procedure, the physician may insert a temporary catheter to let urine drain from your bladder. You may experience mild discomfort, such as slight burning during urination, and trace amounts of blood in your urine for a week or so. Also, depending on the condition of your bladder, you may experience a greater urination frequency and urge to urinate. This will resolve over time as your bladder adjusts to removal of the obstruction in your urethra.

Following the GreenLight™ procedure, you will likely experience immediate improvement in flow and symptoms, but will possibly have mild short-term urgency and frequency or mild pain during urination. Blood in the urine occurs less frequently; however, retrograde or diminished ejaculate volume is common. You may require a catheter for a short time, which is dependent on the physician’s discretion.

What can you expect after your procedure?

Because this is an outpatient procedure, you will typically go home within a few hours of treatment. You should have someone drive you home after the procedure.
If a catheter was placed in your bladder at the end of the procedure, it will typically be removed within 24 hours. However, patients with compromised bladder function or those who require prolonged catheterization as a result of severe urinary symptoms may require a catheter for a longer period of time.

Most patients experience very rapid relief of symptoms and a dramatic improvement in urine flow. This typically occurs within 24 hours of the procedure. However, medical history, health condition, and other factors can influence treatment recovery. You may experience mild discomfort, such as slight burning during urination, and small amounts of blood in your urine for a week or so. Also, depending on the condition of your bladder, you may experience greater frequency and urge to urinate. This will resolve over time as your bladder adjusts to removal of the obstruction in your urethra. You may be given an antibiotic to help you avoid infection. For discomfort, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are options.

Typically, you may return to normal activities 2 to 3 days after the procedure. You should not engage in sexual activities for about 2 weeks following the procedure. Activities that may lead to blood in the urine, such as strenuous exercise (including heavy lifting, bike riding, or running on a treadmill) and working with vibrating equipment (sitting on lawnmowers or snow tractors), must also be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

Mild episodes of blood in urine are possible 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure, for which anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed.