To clarify, Greenlight laser surgery has been around for over a decade: the original 80W-power system since 1997 and the second generation (120W) since 2005. There are also other laser treatments for urinary symptoms caused by BPH, including the Holmium laser. The main differences are the light wavelength, leading to different tissue interaction and requiring variations in techniques to remove tissue.
The latest Greenlight version (180W) was presented at the Université de Montréal in April 2011. Advantages include 50% more power to remove obstructive prostate tissue, improved laser fibre durability and better control of bleeding. It’s usually an outpatient procedure. We can also offer it to men on blood-thinning medications, men with large prostates and those with other medical conditions.
The 180W Greenlight just received approval in Canada in March 2011, and will be used more and more across Canada. In Montreal, we’ve treated over 40 men and seen a 40% reduction in treatment time.
After Greenlight surgery, men may have blood in the urine for seven to 14 days, and slight burning during urination for two to four weeks. Other risks include temporary urinary frequency, retrograde ejaculation (orgasm with no ejaculation as the semen heads in the opposite direction due to the large prostate opening) and, rarely, urinary incontinence. Several studies have shown little impact on erectile function. Early results show comparable outcomes to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), particularly for small to mid-sized prostates.
Despite the advantages of minimally invasive BPH treatments, TURP remains the gold standard treatment. Discussion with your urologist will help you choose the best form of care for BPH symptoms.
