

Procedures to treat an enlarged prostate generally require use of a tube (catheter) to drain urine from the bladder after surgery. Recovery from laser surgery generally takes less time than recovery from TURP or open surgery. Laser surgery can be done on an outpatient basis or with just an overnight hospital stay. Laser surgery can be a good option for men who take medication to thin their blood or who have a bleeding disorder that doesn't allow their blood to clot normally.

The advantages over traditional surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy, can include: Improvements in urinary symptoms from laser surgery are noticeable right away. It can take several weeks to months to see noticeable improvement with medications. Laser surgery can offer several advantages over other methods of treating BPH.

Prostate laser surgery helps reduce urinary symptoms caused by BPH, including: The type of laser surgery your doctor recommends will depend on several factors, including: HoLEP can be an option for men who have a severely enlarged prostate. Another instrument is then used to cut the prostate tissue into small pieces that are easily removed. A laser is used to cut and remove the excess prostate tissue that is blocking the urethra. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).This procedure is similar to PVP but uses a different type of laser. Holmium laser ablation of the prostate (HoLAP).This procedure is generally used to treat prostates that are mild to moderately enlarged. A laser is used to melt away (vaporize) excess prostate tissue and enlarge the urinary channel. Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP).There are several different types of prostate laser surgery, including: To learn more about BPH, its causes, symptoms and treatments, read Living Better with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, an online guide from Harvard Medical School.Lasers use concentrated light to generate precise and intense heat. Common over-the-counter drugs, such as antihistamines and decongestants, may slow your stream even more and potentially block your ability to empty your bladder.This will reduce the need for subsequent trips to the toilet. When you go to the bathroom, take the time to empty your bladder completely.Go to the bathroom on a timed schedule, even if you don't feel a need to go.Limit fluid intake before going out in public or starting a trip.Avoid drinking fluids for one to two hours before bed.Some simple changes in behavior that can help to ease urinary symptoms whether you choose treatment or not. A physical exam and some blood tests can help identify the path to relief. If you experience these symptoms, talk with your doctor. If the gland becomes enlarged enough to obstruct the bladder, it can cause bothersome symptoms like a weak urine stream, difficulty with completely emptying the bladder, and frequent trips to the bathroom. Over a lifetime, the cumulative growth can be considerable. For reasons that remain unclear, the walnut-shaped gland under the bladder continues to grow gradually in most adult men. If you are a man over age 50, you probably know someone living with the effects of an enlarged prostate gland.
