Prostate Laser: Is it a Better Option for BPH?
When is Prostate Laser Treatment Used
As men get older, their prostates enlarge. While normal in most cases, it could mean prostate cancer in others. However, for the majority of men it signifies benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The GreenLight laser therapy applies to those men with BPH.
When to See a Urologist
Since an enlarged prostate could mean cancer, it is important to see a urologist as soon as you experience any symptoms. Prostate cancer treatments, like other cancers treatments, have the highest rate of success when caught early.
An enlarged prostate has many symptoms. The most common system is urinary problems. As the prostate grows, it puts pressure on the bladder and urethra. This can cause urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, and difficulty urinating. Most men describe urinary frequency as getting up two or three times in the night. They describe difficulty urinating as difficulty starting or a weak stream.
When to Treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) does not always require treatment. In fact, treatment is based on how it interferes with daily life. For some men, knowing that BPH is not life threatening is enough. They are perfectly willing to live with the symptoms. For these men, treatment is not necessary.
Other men are bothered by the symptoms and seek out treatment. For these men, treatment is required. This is where GreenLight laser therapy may be option.
What is GreenLight Laser Therapy
GreenLight laser therapy is less invasive than traditional surgical procedures. The most common traditional treatment is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Compared to TURP, GreenLight laser therapy has fewer side effects, a shorter catheterization period, and has faster recovery times.
GreenLight Laser therapy uses heat to enlarge the prostate tissue. The directed laser energy allows for more precision in treating prostate tissue resulting in a channel for the urine to flow. This translates into a quicker recovery time and fewer BPH symptoms.
GreenLight laser therapy is usually done on an outpatient basis. This means patients go home the same day. Normal activities can resume after only a few days. Strenuous activities take a little longer.
Finding a Doctor that Does GreenLight Laser Therapy
Currently, not all urologists perform GreenLight laser therapy. However, finding a doctor that does should not be hard. The Internet provides easy access to doctors across the country. You can search for a doctor that does GreenLight laser therapy at Doctor Finders. There you can look for doctors in your area or look for a doctor by specialty.
Many people are uncertain about where to turn when they or someone they or someone they love are faced with battling cancer. DoctorFinders has a comprehensive list of specialists in your area focused on the most recent cancer treatments available. When you need the most cutting-edge information and treatment available, turn to à http://www.doctorfinders.com/.
Prostate Removal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Prostate Laser Treatment Used
As men get older, their prostates enlarge. While normal in most cases, it could mean prostate cancer in others. However, for the majority of men it signifies benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The GreenLight laser therapy applies to those men with BPH.
When to See a Urologist
Since an enlarged prostate could mean cancer, it is important to see a urologist as soon as you experience any symptoms. Prostate cancer treatments, like other cancers treatments, have the highest rate of success when caught early.
An enlarged prostate has many symptoms. The most common system is urinary problems. As the prostate grows, it puts pressure on the bladder and urethra. This can cause urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, and difficulty urinating. Most men describe urinary frequency as getting up two or three times in the night. They describe difficulty urinating as difficulty starting or a weak stream.
When to Treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) does not always require treatment. In fact, treatment is based on how it interferes with daily life. For some men, knowing that BPH is not life threatening is enough. They are perfectly willing to live with the symptoms. For these men, treatment is not necessary.
Other men are bothered by the symptoms and seek out treatment. For these men, treatment is required. This is where GreenLight laser therapy may be option.
What is GreenLight Laser Therapy
GreenLight laser therapy is less invasive than traditional surgical procedures. The most common traditional treatment is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Compared to TURP, GreenLight laser therapy has fewer side effects, a shorter catheterization period, and has faster recovery times.
GreenLight Laser therapy uses heat to enlarge the prostate tissue. The directed laser energy allows for more precision in treating prostate tissue resulting in a channel for the urine to flow. This translates into a quicker recovery time and fewer BPH symptoms.
GreenLight laser therapy is usually done on an outpatient basis. This means patients go home the same day. Normal activities can resume after only a few days. Strenuous activities take a little longer.
Finding a Doctor that Does GreenLight Laser Therapy
Currently, not all urologists perform GreenLight laser therapy. However, finding a doctor that does should not be hard. The Internet provides easy access to doctors across the country. You can search for a doctor that does GreenLight laser therapy at Doctor Finders. There you can look for doctors in your area or look for a doctor by specialty.
Why is the prostate removed?
The prostate is located under a man’s bladder. The prostate also surrounds the urethra. As men age, the prostate naturally enlarges. The enlargement can put pressure on the bladder and urethra creating bladder infections. It may also create difficulty in urination. Removing the prostate (prostatectomy) helps relieve this pressure and can eradicate these problems.
How does the urologist remove the prostate?
There are several procedures used to remove the prostate. Each procedure has different risks and benefits. However, not all urologists use all methods and not all patients will qualify for all methods.
The most common types of prostate removal include Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser prostatectomy, a transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), and an open prostatectomy.
Why do urologists use TURP?
The big advantage of TURP is that it does not create an outside surgical cut. The drawback to TURP comes with the difficulty of removing especially large prostates.
Which procedure is the least invasive?
The laser prostatectomy is the least invasive allowing patients to return home the same day. This procedure uses laser energy to remove enlarged prostate tissue, resulting in an open channel for urine to flow-through.
• ILC – Interstitial laser coagulation uses laser energy
• HoLep – holmium laser enucleation of the prostate uses laser energy
• GreenLight Laser Therapy uses laser therapy
There are some less invasive procedures available to men. They use heat to remove the prostate.
• TUNA – Transurethral needle ablation uses ultrasound
• TUMT – Transurethral microwave thermotherapy uses a microwave antenna fed through a catheter
• TUVP – Transurethral electrovaporization uses a roller ball to heat the prostate tissue.
• WIT – Water-induced thermotherapy uses a heated water catheter
Where can I find a urologist?
You can use Doctor Finders to locate a urologist in your area or find one that does the particularly prostatectomy you are looking for.
Many people are uncertain about where to turn when they or someone they or someone they love are faced with battling cancer. Prostate Removal has a comprehensive list of specialists in your area focused on the most recent cancer treatments available. When you need the most cutting-edge information and treatment available, turn to à http://www.doctorfinders.com/.
Related Greenlight Prostate Articles
