Prostate issues can be commonplace in older men, and unfortunately, about 25% of men older than 55 will develop a prostate condition, rising to 50% by 70. Many of these issues are linked to a condition known as "BPH", but some can be treated with laser surgery. So, if you are currently suffering from related issues, what do you need to know about this procedure?

Understanding Your Prostate

Your prostate is a small gland found at the bottom of your bladder and surrounding the urethra. When you get older, this gland tends to enlarge, and as it does so, it may restrict the urination tube and slow down the flow of urine from the bladder.

Suffering from BPH

BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) isn't life-threatening, but it can make urination painful or even lead to acute urinary retention. Either way, if this condition is causing you an issue, you will certainly be looking for a fix to improve your quality of life.

Laser Prostatectomy

You may be eligible for laser prostatectomy. This is a relatively simple operation designed to remove the part of the prostate gland that is obstructing the flow of urine.

What to Expect

To make the procedure more comfortable, you may receive a full or localised anaesthetic prior to the operation. The surgeon will insert a telescopic tube through your urethra so there are no invasive cuts.

The laser, attached to a very narrow fibre, is then passed down through the tube, and parts of the prostate are then removed. These pieces will migrate into the bladder, and the surgeon will then make sure that they are dissolved using another instrument so that they can flow out with the urine at the end of the procedure.

A catheter is inserted at the end of the operation to get rid of residue and any blood. Depending on the prognosis, you may need to wear this for a day or two.

After the Procedure

The anaesthetic will wear off rather quickly following the procedure, and you can then get back to drinking or eating right away. You may notice some discolouration of the urine for a day or so but this should clear up relatively quickly as well. If you suffer any discomfort, you can take some mild painkillers.

Other Questions

This type of laser surgery can be very successful when it comes to treating BPH. If you have any other questions, talk them through with your medical adviser.

For more information on laser prostate surgery, contact a professional near you.

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