Laser Prostatectomy Health Article

To help treat your enlarged prostate gland and relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend laser prostatectomy.  A laser (concentrated light energy) is used to destroy the part of the enlarged prostate gland that is squeezing the urethra. Because the laser destroys the obstructing prostate tissue, it can’t be examined for signs of cancer. Your doctor will rule out the possibility of cancer before the procedure is performed.

Preparing for the Procedure

• The night before your procedure, don’t eat or drink anything after midnight .

• Your bladder and urethra may be numbed (local anesthesia), your body below the waist may be numbed (regional anesthesia), or you may be completely asleep (general anesthesia).

• An intravenous (IV) tube provides you with fluids and medication.

During the Procedure

• The procedure itself usually takes about 45 minutes.

• The doctor inserts a cystoscope  (a thin, tubelike telescope) through the urethral opening in your penis and into your urethra. Your doctor can view your urethra and your prostate, either through the cystoscope or on a video monitor.

• The laser is inserted through the cystoscope to the area of the prostate. The laser is then used to destroy excess prostate tissue.

• This treatment often causes swelling, so a catheter may be inserted temporarily into your urethra or directly into your bladder to help your bladder drain.