Questions and Answers about Greenlight PVP™

Information from Laserscope® Website

Is the GreenLight PVP procedure FDA approved?

How many GreenLight PVP procedures have been performed?

Thousands of patients have been successfully treated with the GreenLight PVP Laser Procedure in the US, Europe, and Far East.

Is the procedure covered by insurance?

Yes, the GreenLight PVP procedure is covered by Medicare and by most private insurance plans.

How does GreenLight PVP work?

The GreenLight PV Laser System is a patented green light laser that provides the energy to perform the PVP procedure. A thin fiber is inserted into the urethra through a cystoscope, an instrument that allows the doctor to examine the bladder and prostate. The fiber delivers green laser energy that quickly vaporizes and precisely removes enlarged prostate tissue. The doctor is able to safely view and control the treatment area, tailoring it to your individual anatomy and needs. Because the tissue is vaporized and removed, a wide-open channel is created. Natural urine flow is immediately restored and urinary symptoms are relieved quickly.

Where is PVP procedure performed?

The GreenLight PVP procedure is performed in a hospital or an ambulatory surgery center. You may be released after a few hours or after an overnight stay.

Will I have to spend the night in the hospital?

Most patients can go home a few hours after the procedure. Sometime the doctor feels more comfortable asking a patient to spend the night and go home the following morning, particularly if your procedure was done late in the day, or if you traveled a long distance to reach the hospital.

Will I need anesthesia?

You will need anesthesia of some type for the GreenLight PVP procedure. Depending upon your individual medical condition, the doctor may use general or spinal anesthesia, or block the nerves to your prostate using a local anesthetic, and a light IV (intravenous) sedation.

Will I feel any pain during the GreenLight PVP procedure?

Patients have not reported any pain during the procedure. You and your doctor will discuss appropriate sedation.

Will I feel pain after the procedure?

After the procedure you may have some mild discomfort such as slight burning during urination for about a week or so. This can be managed with mild pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most patients are comfortable, and require only mild, over-the counter analgesics, such as Tylenol® or Advil®.

Will I have to wear a catheter?

Many patients (about 50%) do not need a catheter. If one is needed, it is usually removed within 24 hours. It really depends on your individual case.

How long before I see results?

Most patients obtain immediate relief of symptoms and dramatic improvement in your urine flow usually within 24 hours of the procedure.

How long is the recovery time? How soon can I return to normal activities?

Most patients can resume normal activities within the week. This would include a desk job and driving a car, which you should be able to resume within a couple of days. You will have to avoid more strenuous activities, as well as lifting more than 30 pounds or riding a lawnmower for example, for about 2 weeks following the GreenLight PVP Laser procedure.

What are the side effects, risks and complications of GreenLight PVP?

The PVP procedure is generally considered to be very safe. Most patients report a very high level of satisfaction. Patients may experience slight burning during urination and/or a little bit of blood in the urine for a couple of weeks. Some men may experience more severe symptoms, which can be treated by your doctor. Retrograde ejaculation, or “dry climax” following treatment may occur. According to clinical studies, no patients have suffered loss of control of their bladder (incontinence); loss of sexual ability (erectile dysfunction); have required a blood transfusion, suffered TUR-Syndrome, or death.

Will I still be able to have sex following the PVP procedure?

The GreenLight PVP Procedure should not affect your ability to have an erection or an orgasm. Some men have reported retrograde ejaculation, or “dry climax” following the procedure. If you are sexually active now, you can look forward to remaining sexually active.

Can I have PVP if I have failed TUNA, TUMT, ILC, or WIT?

Yes, many patients who have failed these treatments have been successfully treated with PVP.

Can I have PVP if I had a TURP?

Yes, absolutely.

My doctor has told me that I am not a candidate for TUNA, TUMT, ILC, or WIT…and has recommended that I have a TURP? Can I still have the PVP procedure?

As a rule, if you are a suitable candidate for TURP, you can be considered a good candidate for PVP. Prostate size or length does not generally rule you out as being a good candidate for PVP; however, your doctor will need to make that determination, based upon your individual condition.

Will I still need to take my prostate medication following the PVP procedure?

No. Your doctor will tell you when you can stop taking these medications.

How do I know if I am a candidate for PVP?

Only your urologist can determine if you are a candidate, based upon your history & physical examination, as well as his clinical judgement.

How long can I expect the effects of the procedure to last?

Clinical studies show that the procedure is very long lasting. Very few patients require re-treatment. We do not know how long you can expect improvement until more data is gathered from clinical studies.

How can I learn more about GreenLight PVP?

Please consult your urologist for more detailed information and risks. As with any medical procedure individual results will vary. The statements on this website are based on typical clinical study outcomes.

Where can I go to have the GreenLight PVP Procedure performed?

Monterey Bay Urology Associates is one of the first groups of urologists in the Bay Area to perform Greenlight PVP, and we will discuss hospital options with you at your visit.