AUUA

The Green Light™ Laser Procedure: A Minimally Invasive BPH Treatment

After urination, does your bladder not feel emptied? Do you have to strain to urinate? Is your sleep often interrupted with a repeated need to pee? If so, you may suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition otherwise known as an enlarged prostate. The Urologists of Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona offer Green Light™ laser ablation, a minimally invasive surgical technique proven to reduce the risk, operation time, and recovery period of traditional Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP).

Green Light™ Laser Ablation: What is it and How is it Performed?

As the name implies, Green Light™ laser treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia entails the targeted application of lasers to the enlarged tissues of the prostate. To address the male urological problems that are the result of an enlarged prostate, such as the blockage of urine flow, the Urologists of Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona insert a small fiber into the urethra through a cystoscope. This fiber then delivers high-energy pulses of 532 nanometer (green) light to the targeted prostatic tissue. The green light is absorbed by the prostate and the targeted tissue eradicated through a process known as photo-selective vaporization. The procedure is performed under general or local anesthesia and is near bloodless.

Post-operatively, most men can expect a rapid restoration of urine flow and relief from BPH symptoms. In terms of recovery, patients may experience some degree of burning during urination as a result of irritation to the urinary tract, or encounter a small amount of hematuria (blood in the urine). Also, as the bladder adjusts to the removal of the blockage, men may experience an increased need to urinate for a period of time after Green Light™ laser ablation surgery.

Why Consider Green Light™ Laser Ablation for the Treatment of BPH?

  • Fast relief of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia symptoms
  • Less risk than traditional invasive procedures
  • Reduced operative time
  • Quick recovery
  • Elimination of or shortened need for post-operative catheterization
  • Reduced risk of erectile dysfunction

To learn more about Green Light™ laser vaporization, a procedure that combines the benefits of minimally invasive surgery with the results of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), contact one of seven Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona practices located in Anthem, Glendale, Litchfield Park, Phoenix, Prescott, Sun City, Sun City West, and Wickenburg, Arizona.

Conditions

  • Kidney Stones – are hardened mineral deposits that form in the kidney, vary in size, and can cause mild to severe pain. Kidney stones in women are usually harder to detect and diagnose than men because many of the symptoms associated with this urological problem can be easily dismissed as monthly menstrual symptoms.
  • Kidney Cancer – are cancerous cells that originate in the kidneys, can stay localized to one kidney or metastasize (spread) from one kidney to another or from the kidneys to the bones, liver, lungs, and/or lymph nodes. Women over the age of 60 are at an increased risk of developing kidney cancer.
  • Hydronephrosis – is the swelling of the kidney due to a backup of urine when the flow is obstructed. Hydronephrosis of both kidneys can occur during pregnancy as the enlarging uterus compresses the ureters.
  • Kidney Obstruction – is a blockage at the level where the kidney meets the ureter. Causes of kidney obstruction in women may include a congenital malformation (the patient is born with the obstruction), stone disease, infection, and trauma.

 

  • Kidney Infection – is a bacterial infection of the kidneys (or upper urinary tract). Causes of kidney infection in women include pregnancy, diabetes, cancer, kidney stones, abnormalities of the urinary tract, and when bacteria gets into the urinary tract following sexual intercourse.
  • Ureter Cancer – is rare and often spreads (metastasizes) to adjacent soft tissue but tends to be localized when diagnosed. Urethral cancer is more common in women and women over the age of 60 are at an increased risk.
  • Ureter Obstruction and Stricture – is the narrowing of the urethra, which causes functional obstruction. Women can experience urinary tract obstruction or stricture when the ureters become externally compressed by pelvic tumors or by advanced cervical or gynecologic malignancies.
  • Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction – is a blockage in the area that connects part of the kidney to one of the ureters that move urine to the bladder. In adult females, the obstruction can be due to scar tissue, infection, previous treatments for a blockage, or kidney stones.


The goal of both non-surgical and surgical kidney stone treatments at Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona is to remove the stones, prevent infection, and prevent recurrence. Treatment for kidney cancer in women depends on the type and stage of the disease. Nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney) is the treatment of choice for localized renal cell carcinoma, whereas the treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma consists of targeted therapies, such as torisel, nexavar, and sutent, the use of immunotherapy including interferon and interleukin-2, and in some cases, nephrectomy. Depending on your female urological problems or urogynecology condition, Academic Urology & Urogynecology of Arizona can offer you a variety of treatment options to provide symptomatic relief and a better quality of life.

 

Call 623-547-2600

to schedule an appointment for a consultation with one of our Urologists and start restoring your
pelvic health today.