Frequently Asked Questions
About GreenLight Laser Therapy
How many GreenLight procedures have been performed?
Over 300,000 procedures have been performed worldwide with the GreenLight laser system.
Is the procedure covered by insurance?
Medicare and most private insurance plans cover the procedure.
How does the GreenLight Laser Therapy procedure work?
A small fiber is inserted into the urethra through a cystoscope. The fiber carries laser energy which removes enlarged prostate tissue. Natural urine flow is rapidly restored and urinary symptoms are quickly relieved in most patients.
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, 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.
Will I have to spend the night in the hospital?
Most patients can go home a few hours after the procedure. Sometime the doctor feels more comfortable asking a patient to spend the night and go home the following morning, particularly if your procedure was done late in the day, or if you traveled a long distance to reach the hospital.
During and After GreenLight
Will I have discomfort during the procedure?
Your doctor will discuss anesthesia requirements, as well as pain medication to ensure your comfort during and after the procedure.
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 have required prolonged catheterization as a result of severe urinary symptoms may require a catheter for a longer period of time.
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 have sexual dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation after the procedure
Less than 1% of patients experience sexual dysfunction. 8 However, 33% of patients experience retrograde ejaculation after the procedure. 12
How long before I see results?
Many patients obtain symptom relief and a dramatic improvement in urine flow usually within 24 hours of the procedure. 5, 10
How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most patients can resume normal activities within a couple of days. 3, 11 Strenuous activities can be resumed within two weeks. 11 Your urologist will discuss this and your specific condition with you during your consultation.
Risks and Complications
Laser procedures are not recommended for everyone. You should talk to your doctor about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment.
Every medical treatment may have side effects. The same is true for GreenLight Laser Therapy. Below are the most common side effects experienced with GreenLight:
- Hematuria — Blood in the urine
- Bladder spasm or urgency — Cramping in the bladder or an urgent need to urinate
- Irritation of urinary tract — Frequent urination, burning sensation
- 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 in excess of 100° F
- You experience chills or shaking
Also, 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
General Questions
Can I have a GreenLight Laser procedure if I've had previous enlarged prostate treatments or surgery?
Yes, 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.
Will I still need to take my prostate medication following the GreenLight procedure?
Your doctor will tell you when you can stop taking these medications.
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 & physical examination, as well as his clinical judgment.
2. Karatas OF, Tasci A, Tugcu V. Erectile functions in BPH patients after photoselective vaporisation of the prostate laser surgery. Eur Urol 2006;5(2 suppl.):272 abstract 997. EAU Meeting, Apr 5-8,2006 Paris, France.
3. Malek RS, Kuntzman RS, Barrett DM. High power potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser vaporization prostatectomy. J Urol. 2000 Jun;163(6):1730-3.
4. Malek RS, Kuntzman RS, Barrett DM.Photoselective potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser vaporization of the benign obstructive prostate: observations on long-term outcomes. J Urol. 2005 Oct;174(4 Pt 1):1344-8.
5. Malek RS, Barrett DM, Kuntzman RS. High-power potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP/532) laser vaporization prostatectomy: 24 hours later. Urology. 1998 Feb;51(2):254-6.
8. Yakupoglu YK, Donmezer S, Mestci B, Saglam R, Simsek US. Successful treatment of BPH over 100 ml with KTP laser. J Urol 2006 May;175(4 suppl.):463 abstract 1522.
9. Die GreenLight Bibliographie wurde von American Medical Systems zusammengestellt, aktualisiert 11/8/06.
10. Sarica K, Alkan E, Luleci H, Tasci AI. Photoselective vaporization of the enlarged prostate with KTP laser: long-term results in 240 patients. J Endourol. 2005 Dec;19(10):1199-202.
11. Mueller EJ. A series of 60 Greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) patients with results equal to standard TURP with much decreased morbidity and much quicker return to full normal unrestricted activity. 52nd Annual James C Kimbrough Urological Seminar. Jan-16-Jan 21, 2005 Honolulu, Hawaii abstract 41.
12. Choi B, Tabatabaei S, Bachmann A, Collins E, de la Rosette J, Sancha FG, Muir G, Reich O, Woo H. GreenLight HPS 120-w laser for benign prostate hyperplasia: comparative complications and technical recommendations. E J Urol 2008 April; 7(suppl.); 384-392