What the published GreenLight literature shows, translated out of the journal language. Every claim on this page is linked to its source on the Evidence page. No in-house statistics are used.
A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis compared GreenLight photovaporisation with traditional TURP. Both operations improved symptom score (IPSS) and urine flow rate by clinically important amounts. GreenLight achieved comparable functional improvement to TURP, with a more favourable bleeding profile.1
What this means for you: a good candidate can expect a meaningful improvement in symptom score and stream, similar to what a traditional TURP would achieve, but with less bleeding at the time of surgery.
A 2018 clinical study specifically examined the 180-W GreenLight XPS system in men who were taking oral anticoagulants. The study reported acceptable safety and symptom improvement without unacceptable bleeding complications.2
What this means for you: if you are on warfarin, a DOAC or an antiplatelet and cannot easily pause it, GreenLight is one of the reasonable options to discuss. The decision about whether to continue, pause or bridge your anticoagulant is made jointly with your prescribing specialist and anaesthetist (see blood thinners).
A 2023 multicentre Italian study reported on the efficacy and safety of GreenLight in men aged 75 years or older. The study found that older men achieved acceptable symptom improvement with a safety profile comparable to younger patients in the same series.3
What this means for you: age alone is not a reason to exclude GreenLight. Decisions in older men are based on overall health and anaesthetic fitness rather than a birthday.
A 2023 single-centre study looked at reintervention rates after GreenLight across three different laser-device generations. The study confirmed that some men do need a repeat procedure over longer follow-up.4
What this means for you: GreenLight is excellent at relieving obstruction in the short and medium term, especially for smaller prostates. Over many years a small proportion of men require a repeat transurethral procedure. If durability is your top priority, HoLEP usually has the advantage; if bleeding control or a shorter operation matters more, GreenLight may be the better fit.
Retrograde ejaculation is common after any transurethral BPH operation, including GreenLight, because the operation widens the channel through the prostate. Published series report that erectile function is usually preserved. We do not quote percentages on this site because individual results depend on pre-operative function, prostate size and age.
#ref-1, #ref-2 anchor so these claims can be traced back to the original paper.
Ask for a second opinion on your symptom score, flow studies and prostate size before committing to a treatment plan.