Dr. Nikolaos P. Pardalidis MD, PhD, FEBU
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Prostate is a small gland of the genitourinary male system which is located just inferior to the urinary bladder. Prostate produces the spermatic fluid which provides mobility to the sperm during ejaculation. The normal prostate weights 15-20gr approximately. The prostate gland is afflicted with either benign or malignant neoplasms. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a common situation in men and is age-related (80% in men over 80years).
BPH can cause severe prostatic symptoms as well as obstructive voiding symptoms in many patients. Those symptoms are due to prostatic gland enlargement, leading to a reduced urine flow from the prostatic urethra.
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
The main symptoms of BPH can be irritative and/or obstructive
- Frequency
- Nocturia
- Urgency
- Hesitancy
- Decreased force and caliber of stream
- Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
- Pain or burning during urination
- Urine leak as a result of overflow
Therapy for BPH with the latest generation XPS Green Light Laser
Prostatectomy with the Green Light Laser has been established as a method for treating BPH the last decade in Greece and also worldwide, overcoming 500000 patients successfully. In comparison with other surgical techniques, XPS Green Light Laser combines the best results with the minimum side effects.
This method is currently used with absolute success in Athens Medical Center. Our new acquirement, the latest generation of XPS Green Light Laser, increases the effectiveness of the method even in difficult cases.
Technique
The method is accomplished through a small optic fiber which is inserted in the prostatic urethra via a cystoscope. The optic fiber carries high power laser energy which heats the prostatic tissue, resulting in his rapid vaporization. The urine flow is restored immediately and most of the patients are instantly relieved from their symptoms.
Advantages of the new XPS laser system
The latest generation XPS Green Light Laser is the most modern system in the treatment of BPH. Its technology provides excellent conditions for a successful and safe laser prostatectomy. The new system has increased power (180 watt) and a new high tolerance hydroprotective optic fiber, which gives the ability to handle even high volume prostate glands in short operative time. This is highly important for those patients who the only alternative until now was open surgery. In this way, the reduction of the operative time minimizes the burden of the patients.
Finally, the new system has highly safety features which guarantee a bloodless operation field, even in difficult cases such as high risk patients (patients who receive anticoagulant therapy, patients with pacemakers or patients with multiple health problems).
In contrast with other surgical techniques which require catheterization and hospital stay, the patient is discharged the same day (day clinic procedure) or the next morning, without urethral catheter.
Summarizing the advantages of XPS Green Light Laser procedure:
- Day clinic procedure
- Short catheterization time
- Bloodless and safe method
- Painless method
- Sexual function is not affected
- Rapid restoration of urination
- Fast return to normal activities
- Effective therapy (instant relief from symptoms)
Results
The results of the method are excellent. The patient is relieved from his symptoms instantly (within 24 hours). Few hours after the operation the patient observes improvement of the urine flow. He is discharged from the hospital the same or the next day without catheter and he is able to return to his normal activities the next couple of days. Mild postoperative symptoms such as burning during urination, small amount of blood in the urine or urgency, usually last for a few days and retreat spontaneously.
In conclusion, prostatectomy with the latest generation XPS laser is a trustworthy, bloodless, painless and safe method of treating BPH with excellent results for the patients.