Laser Prostatectomy

Laser prostatectomy

        Laser prostatectomy is used to treat prostate enlargement, which causes a poor stream of urine and frequent urination. The surgeon with the help of a laser removes the part of prostate which obstructs the flow of urine. It is very important to know that in this operation only the part of the prostate which is obstructing the channel is removed and not the entire prostate.

       In laser prostatectomy a telescope is inserted down the urethra, after that the surgeon slides down the telescope a firing laser fiber. Using this laser fiber the surgeon removes the excess of prostate tissue; this excess is destroyed with the help of heat. There are 2 types of anesthesia for laser prostatectomy: a general anesthesia and a spinal anesthesia. In case of spinal anesthesia one is aware of what is happening although one does not fell anything from the waist down. Before the surgery medication has to be stopped and it can be restarted immediately after the surgery.

       After the surgery the doctor inserts a catheter but the person needs to have it only for 24 hours which is a considerable improvement thinking that in an open surgery the catheter has to be kept in for more than 48 hours. The catheter is essential for the person's recovery and while the catheter is inserted the person is not allowed to make any effort. Also the patient should drink plenty of liquids in order to prevent urinary infections.

       Also after the surgery the person may experience irritation and burning with urination and night frequency which can prevent the person from a proper good night's rest but this will disappear with time. Also the patient should have a normal diet, he is allowed to eat everything although he must avoid alcohol and spices as they are irritating factors. After the surgery the patients should take antibiotics in order to prevent infection. The person can have a normal sexual life. This type of surgery does not affect the man's potency. Furthermore the person can experience orgasm as before. Although he can have intercourse he may experience burning with ejaculation. After the operation it is recommended to use laxatives as severe straining during bowel movements can cause bleeding taken into account that the rectum is near the prostate.

       One advantage of laser prostatectomy is that the laser seals the blood vessels so there is no bleeding also there are not any other risks. However laser prostatectomy takes longer to perform than an open prostatectomy. A major disadvantage is that laser prostatectomy is not available in all hospitals.

       If the person experiences any of these symptoms: nausea, vomiting, heavy bleeding, inability to urinate, fever, severe pain then he must immediately go to the hospital.