Laser Prostatectomy Surgery | Safe & Secure Procedure

What Are The Benefits Of Laser Prostatectomy?

Laser prostatectomy has several benefits may include:

• Faster recovery time: Laser prostatectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires less cutting and trauma to the body. This means that patients typically experience less pain and discomfort after surgery and can return to their normal activities sooner.
• Reduced risk of complications: Because laser prostatectomy is less invasive than traditional surgery, there is a lower risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding tissues.
• Improved outcomes: Studies have shown that laser prostatectomy can be just as effective as traditional surgery in treating prostate cancer and other conditions. Additionally, because the laser can be used to precisely target the affected area, there is less risk of leaving behind any cancerous tissue.
• Less scarring: Because laser prostatectomy requires smaller incisions than traditional surgery, there is less scarring and a better cosmetic outcome.
• Improved quality of life: For many men, prostate problems can significantly impact their quality of life. Laser prostatectomy can help to alleviate symptoms such as urinary incontinence and difficulty urinating, leading to an improved overall quality of life.

What Are The Side Effects Of Laser Prostatectomy?

Some common side effects of laser prostatectomy may include:

• Blood in the urine: Patients may experience blood in their urine after the procedure due to small blood vessels that may have been damaged by the laser energy used.
• Urinary tract infection: As with any medical procedure, there is a chance for the development of a urinary tract infection afterwards which should be monitored.
• Painful urination: Patients might experience painful urination as a result of irritation or inflammation caused by the laser energy used during the procedure.
• Erectile Dysfunction: A potential side effect of laser prostatectomy is erectile dysfunction due to nerve tissue damage caused by the laser energy which can cause loss of sensation and function in the penis area.
• Incontinence Issues: Incontinence issues such as urinary urgency, frequency and urge incontinence might occur after laser prostatectomy due to subsequent bladder-neck differences that affect the urine flow control mechanism and urine storage capacity.

Who Can Undergo Laser Prostatectomy?

Men who have an enlarged prostate and are experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty urinating may be candidates for laser prostatectomy. However, the final decision on whether to undergo surgery should be made after consultation with a urologist and consideration of individual health factors.

What Happens If Laser Prostatectomy Is Not Done On Time?

If a laser prostatectomy is not done on time, serious complications can occur. These may include:

• Development of urinary symptoms, such as difficulty and/or pain during urination.
• Urinary tract infections
• Bladder stones
• Urine retention 
• An increased risk of prostate cancer. 

All of these symptoms can cause considerable discomfort and may affect daily life and activities. If not addressed promptly, the condition can become worse and even lead to infertility or kidney damage.

What Not To Do After Laser Prostatectomy?

Things that the person should not do after the laser prostatectomy may include:

• Lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous physical activity for at least a few weeks.
• Engage in sexual activity for the first few weeks post-surgery.
• Stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.
• Smoke or drink alcohol, as they can delay recovery and increase the risk for complications.
• Drive or operate heavy machinery if you are still taking narcotic pain medications.
• Ignore any potential signs of infection or complications.
• Ignore any symptoms such as fever, chills, or blood in the urine.
• Engage in activities that may irritate the urinary tract or surgery site, such as long periods of sitting or biking.
• Resume work or other daily activities before being cleared by your doctor.

Are There Any Alternatives For Laser Prostatectomy?

Yes, there are several alternative surgical treatments for prostate cancer, including:

• Open Radical Prostatectomy: This involves removing the entire prostate gland and some tissues surrounding it.
• Cryosurgery: This procedure uses extreme cold via a probe inserted into the prostate to freeze and destroy the affected tissue.
• Proton Beam Therapy: This uses high-energy protons to precisely target and destroy cancer cells in the prostate.
• Hormone Therapy: Also known as androgen deprivation therapy, this treatment works by reducing the amount of testosterone produced in the body, which inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation, this treatment aims to kill cancerous cells while minimising damage to healthy tissue surrounding it.

Recovery After Laser Prostatectomy

Recovery after laser prostatectomy can comprise the following: 

• Recovery after laser prostatectomy typically involves a hospital stay of one to two nights. 
• Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage discomfort and prevent infection. 
• Patients may experience some urinary frequency, urgency, and discomfort after the procedure, but these symptoms usually improve within a few days to weeks. 
• It is recommended to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks after the surgery. 
• Follow-up appointments with the urologist will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet to ensure proper healing.
• Perform gentle exercise or physical therapy as recommended.
• Monitor for any signs of infection, such as fever or abnormal discharge.
• Keep the surgical site clean and dry.
• Seek medical help immediately if there are any complications.