WHAT IS AN ENLARGED PROSTATE?
Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects men over age 50.
The prostate is a small gland that’s part of the male reproductive system. It’s located at the base of the bladder and the urethra passes through it. As men age, excess prostate tissue can develop, disrupting the flow of urine from the bladder through the urethra. In some cases, enlarged prostate tissue can completely block the flow of urine.
Common symptoms of BPH include:
- Difficulty starting urination
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Starts and stops during urine flow
- An increased frequency and urge to urinate
- Feeling your bladder doesn’t empty with urination
INTRODUCING GREENLIGHT LASER THERAPY FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE TREATMENT
GreenLight Laser Therapy is an innovative treatment that combines the effectiveness of surgical prostate surgeries with minimally invasive laser technology for enlarged prostate treatment or BPH treatment.
During GreenLight treatments, Dr. Tony Nimeh uses a small fiber inserted into the urethra to deliver a targeted high-powered laser to excess prostate tissue. The blood inside the excess tissue absorbs the light from the laser, heating the tissue and causing immediate cell damage without affecting surrounding structures.
GreenLight is a precise treatment with fewer complications than other enlarged prostate treatments, including:
- Reduced need for catheterization
- Reduced treatment costs
- Fewer sexual side effects
- Reduced need for future retreatments
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MY APPOINTMENT?
GreenLight Laser Therapy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Dr. Tony Nimeh will administer general anesthesia so that you can sleep comfortably through your appointment.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, your urologist inserts the GreenLight fiber into your urethra using a cystoscope. A cystoscope is a thin, hollow tube with a camera lens that allows your doctor to see inside your urethra and bladder.
After the laser fiber has been advanced to the excess prostate tissue, your doctor vaporizes the cells until they’re completely removed.
Following your procedure, you may require a catheter for a short period to help your bladder drain. You may experience mild discomfort for about one week, but the results from GreenLight Therapy are often immediate. You will continue seeing additional benefits as you heal.
Call Fairbanks Urology Center at 907-328-0989 or book an appointment online to learn how GreenLight can relieve your symptoms from an enlarged prostate.