Prostate Surgery in South-East Melbourne
Enlargement of the prostate, or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common problem experienced by older men. More than half of men over the age of 60 will develop an enlarged prostate during their life, which can lead to troublesome urinary symptoms such as:
- A weak or slow urinary stream
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Difficulty starting urination
- Frequent urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Getting up frequently at night to urinate
- A urinary stream that starts and stops
- Straining to urinate
- Continued dribbling of urine
- Returning to urinate again minutes after finishing
Many men ignore symptoms or put off going to the doctor, but there are many effective treatments. Treatments can include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Surgery to remove enlarged prostate tissue
Prescription medications may not control symptoms and may have side effects. Surgery is often more effective at relieving symptoms.
At Waverley Private Hospital, we offer several surgical options, including:
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- Prostatectomy
- GreenLight laser prostatectomy
For several decades now the conventional surgical option, TURP (Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate) has been the standard treatment for men with troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms due to an enlarged prostate. TURP produces durable and reliable improvements in both flow rates and subjective symptom scores. This has resulted in the TURP becoming one of the most common urological operations performed.
Despite its efficacy, however, the conventional TURP is sometimes associated with a significant side-effect profile, including bleeding and the need for blood transfusions, infections, strictures, sexual problems and incontinence. In addition to these potential side effects, men who undergo a TURP will require on average two to three days of catheterisation after the surgery and hospitalisation before undergoing a trial of void (catheter removal) and discharge.
GreenLight Laser prostatectomy was introduced over ten years ago, to provide results comparable with a conventional TURP procedure but with significantly fewer side effects. In fact, the Greenlight procedure is associated with fewer side effects and quicker recovery times than traditional surgery. In contrast to TURP, GreenLight Laser Prostatectomy allows vaporization of tissue and simultaneously seals the tissue resulting in an almost bloodless procedure. The net result is that patients who are on blood thinners such as Warfarin, Plavix and Aspirin can be treated whilst remaining on this medication.
Green light PVP laser uses state of the art high power laser energy which is specifically absorbed by the blood inside prostate tissue. This energy absorption leads to vaporization of the targeted tissue, and opens up the once constricted passage to improve the flow of urine.
Men with prostate enlargement who require surgery or who are not responding to medication therapy may be suitable for Green Light Laser Therapy. Initially, most men with symptomatic prostate enlargement are prescribed prostate drugs. If symptoms progress, these men will require surgical treatment. Additionally, if patients experience complications from their prostate enlargement, such as bladder infection, bladder stone, inability to pass urine (retention) or kidney failure, they will also require surgery.
Green Light Laser therapy is especially advantageous for patients who are on blood thinning medications such as Aspirin or patients who are taking anti-coagulation drugs such as Warfarin.
How is Green Light Laser Therapy performed?
Green Laser Laser Therapy at Waverley Private Hospital is performed by an accredited urological surgeon, experienced in Green Light Laser therapy, as an inpatient procedure and usually requires an anaesthetic. Your hospital stay is usually one night, depending upon your doctor's advice.
Waverley Private uses this latest generation 180W XPS GreenLight Laser in combination with Moxy fibre technology.
Once you are under, a special camera will be passed through the urinary opening of your penis into the urethra, prostate and bladder. There are no cuts or incisions required to perform this procedure. The green light laser fiber is passed through the scope and the laser commences to vaporise the affected tissue, which usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the prostate.
At the end of treatment, a catheter (small rubber tube) will be inserted through your penis, which will assist urine drainage directly from the bladder into a bag.
What will I expect after the procedure?
Your catheter will be removed within 24 hours once your normal urine flow is established. It is normal to see a small amount of blood in your urine, which will lighten up to your normal urine colour within a few days after you leave hospital. You can return to normal activities and work within 4-5 days.
As with any treatment, side effects can occur, however, Green Light Laser has fewer complications than traditional prostate surgical treatments. The Green Light laser has been shown to have shorter hospital stays and fewer complications.
Common to all prostate surgery, sexual side effects such as retrograde ejaculation and in rare instances, erectile dysfunction (impotence) can occur. This occurs in about 1% of cases. Even more rarely, scar tissue build up has occurred in the urethra.
Is the Green Light Laser treatment covered by private health insurance?
Yes. We will verify your insurance prior to your admission.
I don't have private health insurance. Can I still access this treatment as a Self-funded Patient?
Yes. You can choose to be admitted as self-funded patients. We will be happy to provide you with a quote. You will be required to pay the estimated hospital account on admission.
I am a Department of Veterans' Affairs patient. Am I covered?
Yes. Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) patients will have their account sent directly to the DVA for payment.
Who performs Green Light Laser Therapy at Waverley Private Hospital?
Green Light Laser Vaporization of Prostate at Waverley Private Hospital is performed by the following urological surgeons:
| Mr Charles Han |
PH: (03) 9857 9638 |
|
| Mr Bradley Newell |
PH: (03) 8899 6266 |
|
| Mr David Pan |
PH: (03) 9563 7899 |
|
| Prof Shomik Sengupta |
PH: (03) 9560 0844 |
www.senguptaurology.com.au |
| Mr Peter Wong |
PH: (03) 8899 6266 |
|
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Yes. If you are experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, see your GP. A GP referral to one of our urologists is required. Consultations are available locally or onsite at the Waverley Private Hospital Consulting Suites.
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