Greenlight Laser Vaporisation of Prostate (PVP)

WHAT IS A “PVP”?

Photo vaporisation of the prostate (PVP, often referred to as a “greenlight laser”) is a relatively new technology for surgical treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It is most often performed for benign enlargement but may in some cases be done for prostate cancer.

The prostate is a gland in men which sits between the bladder and the urethra (water pipe). It forms part of the male urinary and reproductive tracts. It is essential for normal fertility and produces some of the fluid that makes up semen. If the inner part of the prostate gland can obstruct the urethra during urination, which may result in:

  1. reduced urinary flow or dribbling
  2. incomplete bladder emptying
  3. urinary frequency
  4. urgency and occasional urge incontinence
  5. getting up at night to pass urine (nocturia)

The aim of PVP is to relieve this obstruction by widening the channel through the prostate to allow better outflow from the bladder and therefore improve your symptoms. The procedure is performed under a general or spinal anaesthetic. A fine instrument called a cystoscope is placed into the urethra and a powerful “side firing” green coloured laser is used to vaporise the inside of the prostate until a good channel is achieved. The powerful green coloured laser not only vaporises the prostate but also blood vessels so there is usually little or no bleeding. Because of this, it is safe to do on patients while they continue to take blood-thinning medications. Most patients have their catheter removed the following day and go home. Some patients are even able to go home on the same day as their surgery. Unlike with a TURP, NO tissue is sent to the pathology lab be analysed.

Greenlight Laser Vaporisation of Prostate (PVP)
Greenlight Laser Vaporisation of Prostate (PVP)

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

WHAT ABOUT DIET?

WHAT ABOUT EXERCISE/ACTIVITY?

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATIONS?

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS?

NOTIFY GM UROLOGY or your GP if you experience any of the following:

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT

Your doctor will generally speak to about the results of the procedure before you are discharged home and an appointment for your follow-up will be organised. If an appointment time is not given to you on discharge from hospital, you will need to phone GM Urology to make an appointment.
If you have any queries please contact GM Urology on 03 5201 7000 during business hours OR leave a message on the After Hours Urology Paging Service 03 9387 1000