Green Light Laser Surgery (Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate or PVP) treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous prostate enlargement. This article outlines potential side effects, helping patients prepare for recovery and recognize when to seek medical advice.
Understanding Green Light Laser Surgery
Green Light Laser Surgery addresses benign prostatic hyperplasia by using a high-powered laser to vaporize overgrown prostate tissue. This process creates a wider channel through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. The primary goal of the procedure is to alleviate urinary symptoms caused by the enlarged prostate, such as frequent urination, weak stream, or difficulty emptying the bladder. The laser energy is absorbed by blood, which allows for precise tissue removal with minimal bleeding.
Common Temporary Side Effects
Several temporary side effects commonly occur as the treated area heals. Burning or stinging during urination is frequent, resulting from irritation to the urethra and bladder lining during healing. This discomfort typically subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks after the procedure.
Blood in the urine (hematuria) is another common temporary side effect. The laser vaporizes prostate tissue, which can cause small blood vessels to bleed, leading to pink, red, or rust-colored urine. This usually resolves within a few days, but it can persist intermittently for several weeks, especially after physical activity.
Frequent or urgent urination can also occur as the bladder adjusts to the removal of the obstructive prostate tissue and the irritation from the surgery. Mild discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area is also common as the body recovers. This pain is generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and typically resolves within a week or two. Some individuals may notice a reduced force of their urinary stream initially, which improves as swelling decreases and the new urinary channel fully opens.
Less Common or Persistent Side Effects
While most side effects are temporary, some are less common or may persist for a longer duration, occasionally requiring further medical attention.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can develop after the procedure due to the presence of a catheter or the body’s natural healing response. Symptoms of a UTI may include increased burning with urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and fever.
Retrograde ejaculation, often referred to as “dry orgasm,” is a relatively common and usually permanent side effect where semen flows backward into the bladder instead of exiting through the penis during orgasm, as the laser procedure can widen the bladder neck, preventing it from closing properly during ejaculation. While it does not affect sexual sensation or the ability to achieve orgasm, it can impact fertility.
Urethral stricture, a narrowing of the urethra due to scar tissue formation, is a less common but potential long-term complication. This can lead to a weakened urinary stream or difficulty urinating over time and may require additional procedures to correct.
Similarly, bladder neck contracture, scar tissue forming at the opening of the bladder, can also occur and cause similar urinary symptoms. Persistent urinary incontinence, though rare, can also occur, where patients experience continued urine leakage.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention
Patients should be aware of specific symptoms that warrant immediate medical consultation after Green Light Laser Surgery. Heavy or persistent bleeding that does not improve, or the passage of large blood clots, should prompt urgent contact with a healthcare provider. An inability to urinate (urinary retention) requires immediate medical attention to relieve bladder pressure.
Severe pain that is not managed by prescribed or over-the-counter medication, especially if it worsens, also indicates a need for medical review. The development of fever and chills could be a sign of infection and requires prompt evaluation. Any sudden worsening of urinary symptoms or the appearance of new, concerning symptoms should also be reported to a healthcare professional without delay.
Coping with Side Effects and Supporting Recovery
Managing the common side effects and supporting overall recovery after Green Light Laser Surgery involves several practical steps. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps to flush the bladder and can dilute the urine, which may reduce burning sensations. Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for several weeks post-procedure helps prevent bleeding and promotes proper healing. Following all post-operative care instructions is important for recovery. Adequate rest during initial recovery also aids healing and minimizes temporary side effects.