Short answers to the questions patients most often ask about GreenLight laser vaporisation of the prostate.
Yes. GreenLight is the common name. The formal medical term is photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP). Both refer to the same operation using a 532 nm KTP laser.
Most GreenLight procedures in Australia are performed under general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic. The choice is made with your anaesthetist on the day, based on your medical history and preference.
Typically 45 to 90 minutes in theatre, depending mainly on prostate size. Larger prostates take longer because there is more tissue to vaporise.
Usually 24 to 48 hours. Some men have the catheter removed before they leave hospital; others have it removed at the rooms a day or two later if it is more convenient.
Most men go home the same day or the following morning. The length of stay depends on prostate size, how quickly the urine clears, and whether you have a safe adult at home.
Many men notice a stronger stream as soon as the catheter is out. Urgency, burning and occasional blood-tinged urine can take 2 to 6 weeks to fully settle as the vaporised surface heals. The six-week review usually shows a clear improvement in symptom score and flow rate.
Often yes. The 532 nm wavelength is preferentially absorbed by haemoglobin, which seals small vessels as the laser vaporises, and published series report that GreenLight can be done in selected men on oral anticoagulants.2 The plan (pause, continue, or bridge) is always agreed with your prescribing specialist and anaesthetist. See blood thinners.
Retrograde ejaculation is common after any transurethral BPH operation, including GreenLight. The semen goes into the bladder instead of out, and is passed with the next urine. Erectile function is usually preserved.
No. The laser vaporises the tissue in place, so there is no physical specimen. If there is any suspicion of prostate cancer, a targeted biopsy is done beforehand, or an operation that yields a specimen (such as HoLEP) is chosen instead.
GreenLight is most commonly used for prostates up to about 80 cc. It can be used for larger glands with a longer operating time, but for very large prostates HoLEP is usually preferred for durability.4
Retreatment rates after GreenLight are higher than after HoLEP in published series, especially over longer follow-up.4 Retreatment usually means a repeat transurethral procedure if symptoms return years later. For men who want the lowest long-term retreatment rate, HoLEP is often a better choice; for men on anticoagulants or with smaller prostates, the trade-off often favours GreenLight.
Most men can stop alpha blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors after the six-week review, once the symptom score and flow study have confirmed improvement.
GreenLight attracts an MBS item number in the right clinical setting, which is accepted by Australian private health funds. The rooms can provide a written quote covering the surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital once the plan is confirmed. Please check your specific cover with your health fund.
Dr Raji Kooner performs the operation personally in a private hospital theatre. See the about page for credentials and practice detail.
Ask for a second opinion on your symptom score, flow studies and prostate size before committing to a treatment plan.