What is laser therapy?

What is laser therapy?

If you’re dealing with BPE symptoms and medications aren’t proving an effective solution for you, you can consider laser therapy. This proven treatment has helped more than one million men around the world gain relief from the negative impact that BPE can have on the quality of life.1

Laser therapy is a procedure that uses laser technology to remove overgrown prostate tissue. It has been shown to rapidly restore natural urine flow, often within 24 hours of the procedure. However, medical history, individual health conditions, and other factors can influence treatment and recovery.

Laser therapy is a viable option even if you’re on anticoagulants or blood thinners,2 or if you have an implanted pacemaker, defibrillator or neurostimulator.3

Why choose laser therapy?

Why choose laser therapy?

When compared with traditional surgery, laser therapy provides several advantages:4-9

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Shorter catheterization time
  • Less bleeding
  • Faster recovery

The best way to find out if laser therapy can be the right treatment for you is by talking with your physician, who can recommend the best course of action based on your symptoms and treatment goals.

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Does laser therapy have any risks?

Does laser therapy have any risks?

All surgical treatments have inherent and associated risks. Potential risks include irritative symptoms, bleeding, retrograde ejaculation and urinary tract infection. You should talk with your physician about benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to stay in the hospital after laser therapy?
Laser therapy is usually performed as a same-day surgical procedure. Typically, an overnight stay in the hospital is not required.1

Does laser therapy affect sexual function?
In a recent study, 86% of patients reported improved or unchanged sexual satisfaction; only 14% reported a worsening. Similar outcomes were seen for erectile function.2

How long does it take to notice a relief in symptoms?
Most patients experience relief of symptoms and improvement in urine flow after 24 hours following the procedure. However, medical history, health conditions, and other factors can influence treatment and recovery.3

How long will symptom improvements last?
Current clinical studies demonstrate sustained symptom improvement for up to five years after the treatment.4,5

Will I continue to need prostate medication after laser therapy?
Most patients are able to discontinue prostate medication within a few weeks after laser therapy. However, as with any medication, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your dosage.6

How soon can I return to regular activities?
Most patients can resume their normal activities within a couple of days. Strenuous exercise can be resumed within a short time. Your doctor will discuss any restrictions and your specific healing process with you during your visit following the procedure.7

References

  1. Thomas JA. The continuing story of the cost-effectiveness of photoselective vaporization of the prostate versus transuretheral resection of the prostate for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic obstruction. Value Health 18: 376-386, 2015.
  2. Lukacs B, Loeffler J, Bruyère F, et al. Photoselective vaporization of the prostate with GreenLight 120-W laser compared with monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. Eur Urol. 2012;61(6):1165-73.
  3. Bachmann A et al. 180-W XPS GreenLight laser vaporisation versus transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: 6-month safety and efficacy results of a European multicentre randomised trial—the GOLIATH study. European Urology. 65:931-942. 2014.
  4. Ajib K, Mansour M, Zanaty M, et al. Photoselective vaporization of the prostate with the 180-W XPS-Greenlight laser: Five-year experience of safety, efficiency, and functional outcomes. Can Urol Assoc J. 2018 Jul;12(7):E318-E324
  5. Thomas JA, Tubaro A, Barber N, et al. A multicenter randomized noninferiority trial comparing GreenLight-XPS laser vaporization of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: two-yr outcomes of the GOLIATH Study. Eur Urol. 2016 Jan;69(1):94-102.
  6. Seth A. Strope, Joel Vetter, Sean Elliott, Gerald L. Andriole, Margaret A. Olsen, Use of Medical Therapy and Success of Laser Surgery and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Urology, Volume 86, Issue 6,2015, Pages 1115-1122,ISSN 0090-4295, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2015.07.019.
  7. Bachmann A et al. 180-W XPS GreenLight laser vaporisation versus transurethral resection of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: 6-month safety and efficacy results of a European multicentre randomised trial—the GOLIATH study. European Urology. 65:931-942. 2014.

The content of this website is for information purposes only and not meant for product promotion or medical diagnostic. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation or warranty regarding this information or its completeness, accuracy or timeliness. Accordingly, Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health or to address any questions.

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