Prostate Laser Surgery

The prostate gland is a small gland, present in the vicinity of the urinary bladder in males. This gland is responsible for secreting a fluid that help to add volume to the semen. In most cases, it does not lead to any problems, but usually with aging, it can get inflamed and increase in size, which is known as benign prostatic hypertrophy. Also, cancer of the prostate gland is one of the most common cancers seen in males and in most cases, there is need to remove the prostate gland completely.

There are many different types of surgeries to remove the prostate gland, ranging from an open surgery to a robotic prostate surgery. Given below are details regarding prostate laser surgery, how it's done and what are the effects of this surgery. Different types of laser surgeries for prostatectomy include photosensitive vaporization of prostate, holmium laser ablation of prostate, interstitial laser coagulation, etc.

Prostate Laser Surgery Procedure

Laser prostate surgery is a relatively new technology and got the green light from the FDA only in 1996. This surgery involves side-firing laser fibers and Nd:YAG lasers so as to destroy and vaporize the tissues of the prostate gland. In a prostate green light laser surgery, the laser fiber is passed through the urethra into the prostate gland with the help of a cystoscopy. The laser fiber then delivers bursts of energy for about thirty seconds to a minute. This high intensity laser destroys the cells by ablating and cauterizing them. Most laser prostate surgeries for removal of a cancerous prostate gland involves ablation of the tissue. However, in cases where there is an enlarged prostate without any cancer, laser enucleation, wherein, all the tissues that is causing obstruction is removed, is opted for.

Prostate Laser Surgery Advantages

The enlarged prostate laser surgery recovery time is lesser as compared to traditional surgery. This is because as this procedure involves minimal amount of blood loss, the time to recover completely is quite less. Hence, the hospital stay of the patient decreases too. Also, this is the ideal option for patients who are very weak or who are on anticoagulant therapy, and so, cannot afford to lose any blood. Also, one of the most comforting things for patients undergoing this surgery is the knowledge that after the surgery, they mostly won't require catheter insertion. This is because since there is minimal amount of damage done to the inner tissues or to the nerves supplying the bladder. Even if there is need for catheterization, which may prolong the prostate surgery recovery time, it is usually removed after a day.

Moreover, one of the biggest advantages of a laser prostate surgery is that the chances of development of prostate surgery side effects are minimal. This is because this is a highly precise procedure, unlike an open surgery, wherein there are chances of damage to the nearby important structures, like nerves and blood vessels. Hence, the chances of developing incontinence after prostate surgery or changes in sexual health do exist, but are lesser than that compared to an open surgery.

There are however, quite a few risks involved with a prostate cancer laser surgery, as no surgical procedure is completely devoid of possible side effects and complications. Urinary retention, increased risk of urinary tract infections, narrowing of the urethra, retrograde ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Also, the prostate laser surgery cost may be a deterrent for some patients, as this surgery is a bit more expensive as compared to open prostatectomy.

This was all about prostate laser surgery. This surgical procedure is said to be the treatment of choice when it comes to removal of the prostate gland. In cases where the person has urinary problems, this surgery almost instantly gives results and provides relief. However, in cases of removal of non-cancerous prostate, it is best to opt for surgery only after all conservative options of treatment have been exhausted.