GreenLight Laser therapy

We have one of the largest UK experiences in GreenLight laser treatment for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.

Our surgeons were some of the first to use this technique four years ago, and our combined experience is of more than 300 procedures. Evidence shows that outcomes for patients are improved if the surgeon has extensive experience of that procedure, compared with smaller caseloads. We were one of the first UK clinic to invest in the ‘third generation’ XPS GreenLight laser machine. This more powerful, advanced technology allows for a shorter operating time and enables us to treat men with larger prostates.

How does GreenLight laser treatment work?

In GreenLight laser treatment, a high powered laser destroys surplus prostate tissue without harming other healthy tissue. In this way, an enlarged prostate that is blocking the bladder can be opened up.

The laser vaporises excess tissue using safe and precise energy pulses. Blood vessels in the target area are also vaporised, which means there is very little bleeding.

Our new ‘third generation’ XPS machine

Harley Street Urology was one of the first UK clinics to invest in the new £100,000 GreenLight laser machine. Known as the Greenlight XPS, the machine is almost twice as powerful as its predecessor, reducing operating time and allowing large prostates to be effectively treated. It is the ‘third generation’ of technology used to deliver this innovative treatment.

The GreenLight XPS system has a new feature called pulse coagulation, which reduces the risk of blood loss. The pulses of energy cause the blood vessels in the surgical area to coagulate, or solidify. By providing pulsed, rather than a constant flow of energy, the XPS system allows tissue to quickly cool down and coagulate, preventing blood loss.

Another unique feature of the GreenLight XPS is an infra-red signal, transmitted from the far end of the fibres used to deliver the energy beams. This infra-red signal is transmitted if the fibres become too hot. The breaking of fibres due to heat is a complication reported by surgeons using earlier machines.

The power is highly controlled and accurate. The XPS has a 180 watts maximum, compared with 120 watts of previous machines. This extra power is used to create a wider wavelength, allowing for quicker and more effective procedures. However the wavelength remains 523 nanometers, which means the depth used is the same as before.

Who can have this treatment?

All patients with an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are suitable, including those on anticoagulants such as Warfarin. Some patients with prostate cancer can also benefit.

What can I expect from the procedure?

The procedure takes an average of 60 to 90 minutes under general anaesthetic. A thin laser fibre is positioned within the laserscope and is passed up through the urethra to deliver the treatment. Patients are usually able to return home on the same day. Following the procedure, if a urethral catheter has been inserted, it is usually removed after approximately two hours. This allows patients to fully wake up from the general anaesthetic. Some patients with the most enlarged prostates have a suprapubic catheter and this is usually left in place for a week until normal voiding has resumed. One week’s prescription of antibiotics is normally given.

Benefits of GreenLight laser treatment

There is very little blood loss compared with the standard operation known as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate). This means a quicker recovery for patients and in most cases, patients can return home on the same day without a catheter. Recovery is also improved because patients are not anaemic and have not absorbed irrigation fluid produced during TURP which can cause the serious condition of so called ‘TUR Syndrome’. No tissue is available for histology following the procedure. It is therefore important that prostate cancer is excluded by a urologist prior to Green Light Laser treatment.

Experience of GreenLight laser

GreenLight laser was first performed in the UK in October 2002 and approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in May 2005. Studies shown there is no increase in the need for repeat procedures following Green Light Laser and much reduced side effects. Leading centres such as Kings College Hospital in London no longer perform TURP which has now been replaced by Green Light Laser.

Our surgeons at Harley Street Urology have completed more than 300 GreenLight laser procedures.

Find out more

▸ Read a patient's account of GreenLight laser therapy at Harley Street Urology
▸ Find out more about the causes and symptoms of benign prostate enlargement (or BPH) or the enlarged prostate.