GreenLight laser therapy
A safe and effective operation for men with urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic enlargement, BPH). The enlarged tissue is vapourized with a laser, without any incisions.
Who GreenLight is for
GreenLight treats urinary symptoms caused by benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate, such as:
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Getting up at night to urinate
- Needing to urinate often or urgently
- Feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied
- Being unable to urinate and needing a catheter
It is usually offered when medications have not helped enough or have caused side effects. Because there is little bleeding, some men can have GreenLight without stopping their blood thinners.
GreenLight compared with TURP
Transurethral resection (TURP)
The enlarged prostate tissue is removed through a small telescope passed through the urethra. There are no incisions.
- Hospital stay. Most patients go home the day after surgery.
- Catheter. Typically removed in hospital the day after surgery.
- Blood thinners. Medications that affect bleeding are stopped 7 days or 72 hours before surgery, depending on the medication.
GreenLight laser vapourization
The enlarged prostate tissue is vapourized with a high-powered laser through the same kind of telescope, with less bleeding than TURP. There are no incisions.
- Hospital stay. You go home the same day.
- Catheter. You go home with a catheter, and a home care nurse typically removes it within 24 hours.
- Blood thinners. Some patients can keep taking them. Your surgeon will tell you whether to stop.
Recovery timeline
- Day of surgery
The operation takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the prostate. You are either asleep or frozen from the lower abdomen down, and you go home the same day.
- Next day
A home care nurse removes your catheter, typically within 24 hours of surgery.
- 2 to 3 days
Most people with desk jobs or light physical work can return to work.
- 2 to 4 weeks
Avoid heavy lifting, sports, vigorous activity and sexual activity during this time. Jobs with heavy lifting may need 2 to 4 weeks off.
Patient guide: GreenLight laser vapourization of the prostate (PDF)
Referring a patient for an enlarged prostate
Appointments are by referral from a physician or nurse practitioner. Please send the referral to the office of the urologist you choose.