This urological update is to make you aware of the new Green Light PV Laser System now offered to our patients. This new laser technology enables the procedure of Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) to be performed. The Green Light Surgical Laser System uses an 80 Watt KTP (532nm) laser delivered through a fibre optic device to precisely vaporize, cut or coagulate prostate tissue.

Green Light Laser Surgery has been developed for the management of bladder neck obstructive symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The usual thorough workup including digital rectal examination, PSA evaluation and urodynamic assessment is necessary. The same strict criteria for surgery should be applied to laser surgery as for contemporary transurethral prostatectomy.

The advantages of the Green Light Laser Prostate System are decreased length of hospital stay and decreased post operative catheterisation time.

The main disadvantage of the Green Light Laser System relates to additional costs incurred by the patient, not all of which is rebated by private insurance. Furthermore, as this is a vaporization procedure there is no pathology specimen for histopathological analysis.

This is an interesting new technology that is now being offered to patients. Not all patients will be suitable for prostate laser surgery. Many, for economic reasons, may opt to undergo contemporary transurethral prostatectomy as management of their bladder neck obstructive symptoms. All these pertinent issues need to be carefully discussed with the patient at the time of consultation. This surgery is now being offered to our patients.

If I can be of assistance to you or your patients call 9477 7904. P.M. KATELARIS