Assess
Symptom score, flow studies, bladder ultrasound, urine culture and flexible cystoscopy help confirm whether GreenLight is a reasonable option for your prostate size and urinary symptoms.
Photoselective vaporisation of the prostate
A minimally invasive laser option for an enlarged prostate
GreenLight laser vaporisation uses a 532 nm KTP laser, delivered through a side-firing fibre inside a cystoscope, to vaporise obstructing prostate tissue. The 532 nm wavelength is preferentially absorbed by haemoglobin, which gives excellent bleeding control during the procedure.1, 2
532 nm
KTP laser wavelength, absorbed by haemoglobin
Day surgery
Usually same-day or next-morning discharge
Blood thinners
Option for selected men on anticoagulants
Why GreenLight
Vaporise and seal in the same pass
The 532 nm KTP (potassium titanyl phosphate) laser beam passes through water and is strongly absorbed by haemoglobin in the prostate tissue. That selective absorption is what makes the laser vaporise vascular tissue efficiently while sealing small vessels as it goes.1
Excellent haemostasis
Because the 532 nm wavelength is preferentially absorbed by haemoglobin, the laser tends to leave a well-sealed surface. Published series report good safety even in men on oral anticoagulants.2
Usually day surgery
In Australia, GreenLight is typically performed as a day-surgery or overnight procedure. The catheter is usually removed 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
Suited to small to medium glands
The vaporisation rate is efficient for prostates in the small-to-medium range. Very large glands are often better suited to enucleation techniques such as HoLEP.4
Watch
Dr Kooner explains GreenLight
Short introductory video recorded for patients. Video will play in place once you click.
The four-step journey
How GreenLight fits into an appointment week
Theatre
Under general or spinal anaesthetic, a cystoscope is passed along the urethra and the side-firing laser vaporises obstructing prostate tissue at 532 nm.
Catheter
A small catheter is typically left in for about 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Most men go home the same day or the following morning.
Review
A follow-up with flow study and bladder scan is arranged at about six weeks. Sexual activity and heavy lifting are deferred for a short recovery window.
About the specialist
Dr Raji Kooner, Urology NSW
Dr Kooner is a senior Sydney urologist who offers the full range of transurethral treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, including GreenLight laser vaporisation and HoLEP. He selects the right operation for each patient based on prostate size, bladder function, blood thinner status and personal priorities.
Clinical care, referrals and the wider range of urological services are provided through Urology NSW. A full curriculum vitae, publications list and media record are on rajikooner.com.au.
Patient resources
BAUS patient-information PDFs
Downloadable patient information from the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS). Open in a new window.
Where to see Dr Kooner
Five consulting locations across Sydney and the Southern Highlands
St Vincent's Private Hospital
Main roomsSuite 1303, Level 13
406 Victoria Street
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
St Vincent's Clinic
Suites 905 and 902
438 Victoria Street
Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Mater Clinic
North SydneySuite 1.12, Level 1
3-9 Gillies Street
Wollstonecraft NSW 2065
Bowral
Southern HighlandsSuite 9
70 Bowral Street
Bowral NSW 2576
East Sydney Private Hospital
75 Crown Street
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011