Urologists at St Andrew’s are providing green light laser surgery, a new minimally invasive procedure for the prostate suited for a wide range of patients.
The procedure involves using a state-of-the art green light laser to treat the enlargement of the prostate gland or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Randomised controlled trials have shown that GreenLight has a low complication rate with fewer side effects and quicker recovery times than traditional surgery. Compared to Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), GreenLight has lower rates of severe bleeding, equivalent symptom scores and peak flow rates and shorter catheterisation and hospitalisation times.
The procedure has a slightly higher rate of dysuria/urgency at three months (resolved at one year) and marginally longer compared to TURP.
When waiting and medication do not work, this laser therapy will be discussed with patients. The therapy involves guiding a fibre through the urethra and using the laser to vaporise, cut or burn away tissue that obstructs the urine flow. Tissue effects vary depending on the type of laser used.
GreenLight Laser Therapy is offered by the following urologists at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital:
• Dr Jo Schoeman
• Dr Peter Campbell
• A/Prof Eric Chung