Mr Anthony O. Eaton | Consultant Urologist
B.Med. Sci, MB, BS , FRACS (Urol)

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Home > Procedures > Green Light Laser Prostatectomy

Green Light Laser Prostatectomy

Laser prostatectomy is a procedure where the central part of the prostate is vaporised to relieve urinary blockage due to prostatic growth. It is an alternative to the "traditional" trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or "re-bore" and is performed to improve urinary flow.
Anthony performed the first green light laser prostatectomy in Tasmania in 2007 and since that time has performed over 100 laser prostatectomies.

Advantages

Laser prostatectomy offers several advantages over TURP for those patients requiring surgery including:

1. Decreased hospital stay, usually requiring overnight admission only
2. Shorter time with a catheter
3. Earlier return to activity
4. Decreased risk of bleeding

Those patients who require "blood-thinners" such as warfarin or clopidogrel because of previous medical problems (in particular cardiac stents and prosthetic heart valves) usually do not need to cease these medications at the time of surgery

Disadvantages

1. As the central part of the prostate is vaporised no tissue is sent for pathological analysis
2. Most patients experience a period of 6 to 12 weeks of urinary urgency following a laser prostatectomy

In summary a Laser Prostatectomy is an excellent alternative to TURP for those patients who want a more rapid return to activity or who require "blood-thinners"