Laser Prostatectomy

Laser Prostatectomy is an operation to remove enlarged prostrate tissue using a Green Light Photoselective Vapourisation Laser System (PVP).

The Operation

The operation is performed using a general or spinal anaesthetic (an injection into the base of the spin to numb the are from the waist down). A small ‘telescope’ is inserted through the opening of the penis and into the bladder. This allows the bladder and prostrate to be examined. A thin fibre is put through the ‘telescope’ and delivers high-powered laser energy. This vaporises the enlarged prostate tissue. A small catheter (soft plastic drainage tube) may be placed in the bladder to drain the urine. This is usually removed after 24 hours. The operation takes approximately 1 hour.

Please inform us if you are taking drugs that think the blood, as you may need to stop these prior to the operation.

Managing Pain

After the operation you may have some mild discomfort. Taking simple painkillers can usually relieve this.

• Pain relief tablets are given after the operation as needed
• Patients are given pain relief tablets and antibiotics to take home

Catheter Care

Wash around the catheter using mild soap and water and rinse well. You can bathe or shower with a catheter still in place.

Possible Complications

• There may be some bleeding at the time of operation or later. You may have a little blood in your urine for a couple of weeks following your operation; this is normal and should be relieved by increasing your fluid intake. If the bleeding becomes bright red with clots contact the ward or your own GP.

• You may experience slight burning on passing urine, this usually settles after a couple of weeks. However if it becomes difficult to pass urine or there are signs of infection, (offensive smelling urine, a high temperature, pain or persistent burning) contact your GP.

• Around 5% of men have some difficulty passing urine after the catheter has been removed, this may require re-catheterisation for a short period to rest the bladder.

• Retrograde ejaculation. This is where semen passes back into the bladder instead of coming out through the penis.

• There is a small risk of urinary incontinence following the operation.

Staying in Hospital and Recovery from surgery

You are asked to arrive at the day case unit at either 8am or 1pm. You will spend either the morning or afternoon in the unit. Afternoon patients will have an overnight stay in the Urology ward. After your operation you will be carefully monitored for any possible complication. You may eat and drink as soon as you feel like it, avoid alcohol for 24 hours. You may feel tired for a day or two following your operation, rest for some of the time and resume normal activities slowly. You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for up to three weeks after the operation as this may cause bleeding to occur.

Returning to Work

You can return to work when you feel fit enough, usually within a week for light sedentary work, up to three weeks if your job involves heavy lifting.

Driving

You should not drive for at least 2 weeks after your operation.

Sexual Activity

Sexual activity may be resumed 2 weeks after your operation. On resumption of intercourse, if you do ejaculate normally there may be blood or discolouration of the semen; this is nothing to be concerned about.

Bowels

It is quite usual for the bowels not to open for a day or two following surgery, do not strain when having a bowel movement.

Check Ups

You will be sent a follow up appointment in due course.