Boston Scientific GreenLight™ Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy
At a Glance
- Uses a laser to rapidly heat and vaporized the tissue blocking your prostate
- Natural urine flow is rapidly restored in most patients
- Typically, the procedure is performed as a same-day surgery
- Alternative to BPH medications and their potential side effects or ineffectiveness over time
The Details
A small fiber is inserted into the urethra through a cystoscope. The fiber carries laser energy which quickly removes prostate tissue. The tissue removal will allow urine to pass through freely.
What to know about Boston Scientific GreenLight™ Laser Therapy
How it Works
Before treatment begins, you may be asked to empty your bladder. You will then be brought into the procedure room and moved to the treatment bed where you will lie on your back. Your doctor may give you medication to help you relax. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure. A different type of anesthesia may be used, depending on the treatment center.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, your doctor will insert a small scope into your urethra. The scope allows your doctor to see the inner surfaces of the urethra, prostate, and bladder. After the scope is in place, your doctor will advance the laser device through the scope to the location of the enlarged prostate tissue.
Your doctor will then vaporize the prostate tissue that is obstructing urine flow. Dead tissue that is not immediately vaporized will be passed naturally in your urine during the first few days after your surgery.
A temporary urinary catheter may be placed at the end of the procedure to let urine drain from your bladder.
Who is it for?
Men experiencing the troubling urinary symptoms of BPH or the side effects or ineffectiveness of BPH medications over time.
Effectiveness
GreenLight Laser Therapy is an outpatient procedure that uses laser technology to remove your overgrown prostate tissue and rapidly restore natural urine flow, often within 24 hours of the procedure. However, medical history, your health condition and other factors can influence treatment and recovery.
GreenLight Laser Side Effects
- Hematuria – Blood in the urine
- Irritation of the bladder – Results in frequent and/or urgent need to urinate
- Irritation of the urethra – Frequent urination, burning sensation
- Retrograde ejaculation – Semen during sexual climax travels backward to the bladder rather than exiting through the penis
Good to Know
GreenLight Laser Therapy is covered by Medicare and most private insurance. It’s still a good idea to discuss any deductibles or out-of-pocket costs with your doctor’s office upfront. There is no guarantee of insurance coverage for any procedure or product. It is the responsibility of the patient to contact their insurance provider for specific coverage information.
Level Up Your Knowledge
Helpful Articles
How An Enlarged Prostate Affects Your Sexual Health
In this article, Dr. Barbalat discusses the importance of treating the bothersome urinary symptoms of BPH and the longterm complications they can cause, while keeping the patient’s sexual function and goals in mind.
Having trouble urinating? You may have BPH
In this article Dr. Martinez discusses the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer, and why it's important to see your urologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Ready to treat your BPH?
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TreatMyBPH.com
Visit the site to take a BPH assessment test, learn about insurance coverage, or to find a Physician in your area.
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Other treatments for BPH
Other medications and products that can also be used to treat BPH.
Boston Scientific Rezum™ Water Vapor Therapy
A non-surgical treatment that uses the natural energy stored in water vapor, or steam, to remove excess prostate tissue that is pressing on the urethra.
Finasteride
Finasteride is the same active ingredient as Propecia® and Proscar and is used to treat hair loss or BPH in men.
Tamsulosin
Tamsulosin contains the same active ingredient found in Flomax®. Requires a prescription and is available in .4mg capsules.
Tadalafil
Same active ingredient found in Cialis. Taken one hour prior to sexual activity. Effective for up to 36 hours.
Available in 5mg and 20mg tablets or lozenges, prescription required.
