Before the PVP Laser Procedure, patients were forced to choose
between an effective, yet invasive surgery (TURP), and heat therapies that were less invasive but maybe not as effective for all patients. Photovaporization of the prostate offers a unique and simple solution to BPH
because it combines the effectiveness of TURP, the surgical “gold
standard” with the safety, comfort and ease of a minimally invasive
treatment. The PVP Laser Procedure uses a very high powered
laser to immediately vaporize and precisely remove enlarged prostate tissue. Most patients are treated as outpatients and can return to normal, non-strenuous activities within days. The biggest difference between traditional TURP and PVP is that PVP results in much less bleeding after the surgery. Most patients who have TURP are observed in the hospital for at least one night, but most patients who have PVP are able to go home the same day.
In some cases the urologist may choose to combine the TURP and PVP. Some men have prostate enlargement that projects upward into the bladder, called a medial lobe of the prostate. This part of the prostate is easier and quicker to remove with TURP than with PVP, so in some cases we may use the traditional TURP to remove part of the prostate, and use the PVP laser to remove the rest. In other cases it may be important to examine the prostate tissue that is removed in order to rule out prostate cancer, and the urologist may recommend the traditional TURP procedure. Your urologist will recommend the best type of prostate surgery for your particular case.
See the GreenLight PVP Laser in Action
What Can I Expect Before and After PVP?
The information below was designed to help you prepare for your PVP
procedure and recovery period by reviewing some of the key pre and post-procedure
instructions your doctor will likely advise you to follow. It is important
to remember, however, that each patient is unique, and, therefore, your
physician may provide you with additional or different instructions. If
you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your doctor.
Pre-Procedure - Patient Instructions
Call your doctor if you develop a cold, infection or fever or develop
other medical problems.
Let your doctor know if you are taking any blood thinners such as
aspirin, aspirin-containing medications (Coumadin® or Plavix®).
Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking these medicines several
days prior to the GreenLight PVP™ Laser Procedure.
Ask your urologist if you should take your regularly prescribed medications
on the day of the procedure.
Take any antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.
Before your scheduled procedure, ask your doctor to write prescriptions
for any medications you will be required to take following your procedure.
You should try to fill these prescriptions before your procedure so
that you have them on hand.
Write down any questions you have about the procedure and bring them
with you to discuss with your doctor before the procedure.
The night before your procedure, you may eat and drink as usual.
However, if you are scheduled to have your procedure before noon the
following morning, do not take anything by mouth after 12:00 midnight
the night before. If your procedure is in the afternoon your urologist
and anesthesiologist may allow you to have a clear liquid breakfast.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your procedure.
Bring a list of all the prescription and nonprescription medications
that you take regularly with you on the day of the procedure.
Please plan to arrive two hours prior to your treatment. Remember
that you will need to spend some time after the procedure to recover
from anesthesia prior to being discharged.
Arrange for transportation home; you may not drive or operate dangerous
equipment for 48 hours after the procedure. If your doctor has indicated
that you will need to stay overnight in the facility, be sure to arrange
for someone to pick you up the next morning.
Post-Procedure - Patient Instructions
Medication
Please take the medications as prescribed by your doctor. Finish the
entire antibiotic prescription.
Take pain medication as directed by your doctor. Tylenol or non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory medications (such as Aleve®) should relieve mild
pain and discomfort.
Resume the usual medications you took before surgery unless instructed
otherwise. Do not take blood thinners or aspirin products for one week
or as directed by your physician.
Activity
Take it easy for the first 48 hours after the procedure. Do not drive
or operate dangerous equipment for 48 hours following anesthesia.
You may be able to resume non-strenuous activities after 48 hours
unless otherwise directed by your physician.
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, bike riding, and yard work
for two weeks, as the vibrations and movement may cause bleeding.
No sexual activity for two weeks after surgery.
Catheter
You may need a catheter to drain your bladder, depending upon how much
swelling you experience after the procedure. Catheters generally are removed
within 24 hours. Do not disconnect the catheter from the drainage bag
unless directed by a doctor. Wash around the catheter with soap and water
and rinse well.
Diet and Fluid
Avoid coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages, citrus
juices, spicy foods and smoking for the first 3 days following surgery.
Increase your intake of fluids, particularly water. 24 – 48
ounces over your usual daily fluid intake is typically recommended.
Limit fluids after 6 pm.
Bowels
Do not strain when having a
bowel movement. Expect irregular bowel habits until fully recovered. Increase
fiber in your diet. You may need a stool softener or laxative during the
first two weeks of your recovery.
Expected Signs and Symptoms
You may experience urinary urgency and/or frequency for the first
month following surgery. This is normal. Talk to your doctor to discuss
medications that may relieve this.
You may have a small amount of bleeding with urination on occasion.
This may be accompanied with small blood clots. This is normal, and
should be relieved by increasing your fluid intake.
You may experience some mild burning and discomfort during urination.
This is normal and should subside in one to two weeks.
When to call your doctor
Please call the office immediately if any of the following symptoms appear:
Bright red bleeding in urine with a heavy blood clot.
Fever over 101°F (38°C).
Inability to urinate for more than 4 hours.
Feeling of bladder fullness that does not go away after urinating.
Severe pain at any time.
If you have any questions regarding your preparation for or recovery
from the GreenLight procedure.